More people will become addicted to gambling under the current economic downturn, said a recent study.

A survey by Zion Social Service revealed that there had been an increase in "hidden gamblers", who left homes to gamble in Macao amid the financial turmoil.

The agency suggested that the government provide more support to "hidden gamblers" and their families, and enhance public education on the hazards of gambling.

The agency recorded a 218 percent increase in the number of telephone requests from gamblers for help from 87 in September to 177 requests in October, its counselor Lawrence Lee said.

Although the number of telephone requests dropped by over 20 percent in November, it was still more than 50 percent above the August/September statistics.

The rapid surge in the number of these cases prompted the agency to conduct interviews with eight gamblers and their family members. The agency also made field visits in Macao between September and December.

The research revealed that the "hidden gamblers" took to gambling to get away from huge debts, work pressure and family problems, Lee explained.

There are also fringe hidden gamblers, the survey found. These gamblers disappear for a few days to gamble in Macao. In some cases, the "hidden gamblers" disappear for more than a year and lose contacts with their families.

"Roughly speaking, there are hundreds of Hong Kong hidden gamblers in Macao and at least half of them are laid off during the financial tsunami or are worried about their work prospects," Lee said.

The "hidden gamblers" remain in the casinos day and night to try their luck. Some of them hope to win certain amount of money. Even when they lose, they just think they will win sooner or later. As they come across other gamblers, they become friends and do not feel lonely, Lee said.

These "hidden gamblers" do not change clothes everyday and some of them use public or casino toilets. They take free coffee or tea and sandwiches provided by the casinos. Some sleep in the lobby of the casinos. Those who are better-off rent rooms with wooden partitions for HK$60, Lee added.

(HK Edition 12/19/2008 page1)