January 1999

They gamble too

university students are no exception

By Kwong Sum Yin

     There are different kinds of popular gambling in Hong Kong, such as Mark Six, horse racing and mahjong. There are also different strata of gamblers, such as housewives, construction workers and university students -- Yes, university students.

     "I have been to casinos in Korea and Macau, but I like horse racing most," said Mr. Tang Ching Hay, 20, a Year 1 religion student of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

     Mr. Siu Shiu Nam, a Year 1 student studying business studies at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, also likes horse racing.

     "I go to the race course about once a week ," Mr. Siu said, "I also play mahjong biweekly."

     Mr. Tony Cheung, 21, a Year 1 student of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology majoring mathematics, also enjoys playing mahjong.

     "I go to my friend's home or a mahjong club to play mahjong every week,"he said.

     There are different reasons why they gamble.

     According to Mr. Tang, money is the greatest motivation.

     "However, the process of deciding how to bet is also very attractive," said he.

     "You have to do preparations before each race. You need to analyse all the information comprehensively before choosing the horses that you think will win. If the horses really win, it proves that I have made a right judgement," he said.

     To Mr. Siu, gambling is just a way to kill time and gather with friends.

     Agreed Mr. Cheung: "Gambling provides me opportunities to meet old friends and socialize with new friends."

     They all perceive gambling as a bad habit only, but not evil.

     "Gambling is not that bad. People may have wrong perceptions because there are many negative sides related to gambling, such as triad activities in casinos.

     "It's okay as long as people are not addicted to gambling," said Mr. Tang.

     Said Mr. Cheung: "I won't take it seriously as it is only a game. Every time I bet, I have enough psychological preparations. I would tell myself that losing is a certainty while winning is a bonus."

     He added, "If the bet only involves a little amount of money, I think this is fine. But everyone should always know when to quit."

     Many people believe that university students are elites in society and therefore it is inappropriate for them to gamble.

     According to Dr. Ng Chun Hung, assistant professor of Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong , people have great expectations of university students.

     Explained he: "Traditionally, people think that university students should concentrate on their academic performances because it is time for them to study, and they should work hard.

     "Therefore, society discourages students from gambling in general, as it is a leisure activity which is addictive in nature"

     It seems that this social norm does not apply any more.

     "My family knows that I am gambling, but they are not opposed to it. They even encourage me to bet on Mark Six," said Mr. Tang.

     Mr. Cheung said: "If I think it is right, I will not care what others say."