SINGAPORE : Gambling is not an addiction that is usually associated with young people.
But it is a social problem, especially if left unchecked, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
That is why it has produced a short film, hoping to address the issue before it is too late.
The main character in the 15-minute film "RISK" develops an addiction to soccer betting.
The movie is produced by the National Council on Problem Gambling, in collaboration with the South East Community Development Council.
It examines the psychology and attitudes of young gamblers.
Ian Tan, Executive Producer, "RISK", said, "This film is actually a youth-to-youth production where we are trying to convey a message of problem gambling among youths. We hope that this film will actually entertain but yet educate youths on the issues of problem gambling, especially in terms of soccer betting."
Matthias Yao, South East CDC, said, "I do think that it is a growing problem; gambling is much more accessible now to the young people, especially gambling that is now available on the internet, so young people can access gambling in the privacy of their own rooms.
"Among the young people that we speak to, they know that many of their friends and classmates are engaged in gambling. If we don't do anything about it early enough, I think it may be a growing problem."
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports has shown that nearly half of gamblers in Singapore started when they were between 18 and 24, an age group when they are more susceptible to social influences.
Debra Soon, Chairperson Youth Sub-Committee, National Council on Problem Gambling, said, "From the focus groups, we know that there are certain attitudes towards soccer gambling; they almost see it as something they can predict, and that gambling is a problem for adults and not for young people. And so some of these myths associated with gambling we needed to correct, which is why the movie brought out some of those messages."
The film will be screened at 20 schools in the South East district, before making its way to other schools in various parts of Singapore.
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