Mental Health problems linked to gambling

Reports of growth in Singapore between the correlation of mental health issues and gambling problems have been released by CNA. The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) said on Thursday more gamblers are coming forward to seek help for their problems and most of them are in their 40s.

Dr Guo Song, consultant and head of research, IMH, said: "Most men tend to gamble on soccer, cards, horse-racing, whereas women go for simpler games like jackpot.

"For most of them, gambling provides an escape from emotional problems, or problems at work or at home."

Doctors said those who become problem gamblers usually have an unhappy childhood experience, a family member who has a gambling problem, or friends who are gamblers.