A recent study links higher minimum table-game wagers to higher levels of debt among gamblers in Macau.
According to the study, conducted by researchers at universities in Macau and mainland China, 32.7 percent of people who called gambling helplines between 2015 and 2021 owed more than MOP200,000 (US$25,000), “more than double” the amount owed by gamblers on the mainland or in Hong Kong. Nine percent carried more than MOP1 million (US$124,400) in debt.
The report links the disproportionate debt to minimum wagers of about $35 per hand at Macau casinos. Asia Gaming Brief reported minimum bets from HK$500 (US$64) per hand up to HK$1,000 (US$128) in high-volume periods, such as on weekends and during holidays.
The study, entitled “Characteristics of Gambling Helpline Callers in Macau: A Regional Comparison,” was conducted by researchers at the Center for Gaming and Tourism Studies at Macau Polytechnic University, the School of Tourism Management at Macau University of Science and Technology, and Guangzhou Xinhua University.
A summary of the results indicate that those who reached out for help and accepted counseling had experienced gambling problems for an average of 7.3 years. Of those, about 60 percent played table games.
The results indicate that Macau helpline callers tended to be younger, but “the comparative analysis reveals a more alarming trend for young individuals and students from Hong Kong.”
The study recommends that all three jurisdictions collaborate to share information on statistical trends, effective treatment and prevention efforts.
It also suggested that “educational initiatives be integrated into school curricula to inform the youth about the potential harms associated with gambling, which could increase their awareness and prevent the onset of gambling problems.”
