Hong Kong's problem gamblers differ from those in other countries, local experts who treat them say. That's why they are working to develop a local treatment model.

To help problem gamblers and their loved ones, two counselling and treatment centres - the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre and the Caritas A.G. Counselling Centre - opened on October 15, 2003.

Until all bets are off: Elda Chan and Joe Tang say a local treatment model is needed to help Hong Kong gamblers deal with their problems. More than 500 gambling addicts have had one-on-one counselling at the two treatment centres.

More than 500 gamblers turned up for help

By mid-March, they had provided face-to-face counselling services to more than 500 gamblers and 212 people whose friends or family members are addicted to gambling.

They answered more than 3,085 calls asking for counselling, and about 2,407 people participated in the 27 public education programmes the centres organised.

Both centres said many of their clients were aged 31 to 49. Among the 500 gamblers who turned up for their services, about 90% were male - and 84% were in debt.

Horse-racing is the most popular gambling activity, followed by casino visits, soccer betting and playing mahjong.

Caritas A.G. Counselling Centre Supervisor Joe Tang said problem gambling is a complex issue and there are many reasons people become addicted to it.

"Being too ambitious, poor financial management, and trying to escape from stress are some of the common reasons. People without self-confidence or life goals are also more likely to become problem gamblers."

Some occupations seem to have a higher number of problem gamblers. Drivers, restaurant staff and cleaning workers, seem more susceptible, Mr Tang added.

HK gamblers lack confidence in psychotherapy

In an interview with news.gov.hk, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre Supervisor Elda Chan said local problem gamblers often seek help only when their problems become serious, while those in other countries tend to seek help much earlier.  

"Since psychotherapy and counselling are quite common in other countries, gamblers tend to turn up to counselling services at a much earlier stage and they are more prepared to deal with their issues. Therefore, the chance for them to solve their problems is much bigger.

"However, we found that psychotherapy is not so widely accepted in Hong Kong. People usually turn up for our services when their problems have become very serious, for example having a very bad family relation, being emotionally disturbed, or even becoming heavily in debt.

"Under such a stressful situation, it will be more difficult for them to deal with the issue."

Ms Chan said Hong Kong gamblers' concept of money also differs greatly from those in other countries.

People associate money with personal identity

"Many of them associate money with their personal identity and personal values," Ms Chan said. In the treatment process, counsellors must explore what money means to the client. 

Ms Chan and Mr Tang said their centres are developing an effective treatment model for local problem gamblers.

Even Centre is now gathering information from its clients, understanding their profiles, and knowing the reasons why they gamble, Ms Chan said.

The centre's next step is to conduct research on clinical models and then develop and implement a model that suits Hong Kong.

Tailor-made services being delivered

"There are two areas that we have already observed and responded to accordingly. Most of our clients report huge amount of debts and chasing the loss is one of the reasons why they continue gambling," she said

The centre now has a financial counsellor on hand to respond to their needs.

"Another thing we have observed is the importance of family support to our clients. Apart from individual counselling, we have arranged family sessions and couple sessions for them. We also have a family support group to help the concerned families to deal with their emotional problems."

People who have gambling problems are welcome to call the gambling counselling hotline, 1834 633, or seek help from the two centres.

The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre is on 11/F, Tung Sun Commercial Centre, 194-200 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.