Exploring dynamics of gambling among the young people of Hong Kong

DSM-V (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition) has re-categorized gambling disorder as an addiction rather than impulsive control disorder. Recent research studies have found that gambling among youths has been increasing in Hong Kong. The current study aims to explore how individuals develop and perceive their gambling behaviours and also what particular factors they believe contribute to their gambling behaviours. The most popular gambling activities among young people are also explored.

Methods employed were a questionnaire for benchmarking (METHOD 1), interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) for tentative storytelling conversations (METHOD 2), and semi-structured practitioner interviews (METHOD 3) for analysis. METHOD 1, N=40 was conducted for benchmarking purposes to obtain some general information before conducting METHOD 2. METHOD 2 took place with sixteen adolescents (10 frequent recreational gamblers and 6 problem/recovering problem gamblers). 10 frequent recreational gamblers were volunteers from the questionnaire (METHOD 1) who come from both the local community and universities in Hong Kong. 6 problem/recovering problem gamblers were recruited from the Lutheran Social Service (gambling counselling centre) in Hong Kong. They had also answered the questionnaire (METHOD 1). 5 practitioners including gambling counsellors, a social worker, and psychiatrist were invited for semi-structured practitioner interviews (METHOD 3) to see whether practitioners’ opinion and practice experience were matching the voice of young gamblers.

The IPA (Interpretation Phenomenon Analysis) produced super-ordinate themes accounting for the contributing factors of the gambling of the 10 frequent recreational gamblers and the 6 problem/recovering problem gamblers respectively. The 8 super-ordinate themes for frequent recreational gamblers were boredom relief; excitement seeking; social gathering; practising gambling strategies; convenience of gambling; luck; family influence and stress reduction/coping. The 6 super-ordinate themes for problem/recovering problem gamblers were perception of gambling as a way to earn money; the downward spiral (early big wins and then chasing loss); boredom relief; fantasy of winning; negative relationship/life experience and family influence.

The current findings and implications of the emergent themes may have practical implication for future gambling prevention and intervention.