Teenage gamblers distinguish themselves from other age groups. (Image: Korea Center on Gambling Problems)
SEOUL, Jul. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Recently released data proves the hypothesis that teenagers are more easily addicted to gambling, such as online sports gambling, and that once they are addicted, it is hard for them to kick the habit.
According to a recent report submitted to the National Assembly by the Korea Center on Gambling Problems (KCGP) those in their 30s received treatment for gambling addiction the most at the center last year, with 4,563 people.
However, the number of teenagers who received treatment stood at 1,027.
What’s notable is that the number of teenagers jumped sixfold to 1,027 last year from 168 in 2015, the steepest increase among all age groups.
Unfortunately, only 23 percent of teenagers stopped gambling after receiving treatment, the lowest figure among all age groups.
Moreover, the rate of teenagers actually quitting gambling after the treatment has been declining year by year, from 48 percent in 2016 and 30 percent in 2017.
Meanwhile, 95 percent of the teenage users of the KCGP were found to have fallen victim in various online gambling, which constitutes illegal gambling.
Teenage gamblers distinguish themselves from other age groups. While other age groups enjoyed legitimated gambling, such as casinos and horse racing, teenagers were found to be dabbling in the illegal online gambling world.
Rep. Kim Young-joo of the ruling Democratic Party, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, pointed out that the percentage of teenagers looking for treatment for gambling addiction is increasing rapidly, but the percentage of teenagers who stop gambling after the use of the service is decreasing.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
