Almost one quarter of those surveyed began gambling when they were under 18, a 10 per cent jump over 2005, according to the findings of the government study released yesterday.

What's more, about 70 per cent started wagering regularly before they turned 30, up from about 60 per cent in 2005.

With two casinos set to open within two years, experts say the number of addicts could rise; some studies have shown that youth who gamble are up to four times more likely to become addicted than adults.

Despite efforts to curb gambling ahead of the casino openings, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) study shows the situation has slipped since the last report in 2005.

Counsellors offered various reasons why more youth are taking to games of chance.

More Malays are gambling THE percentage of Malays who gamble has doubled in the last three years - from 12 per cent of the community surveyed in 2005 to 22 per cent this year. The grim statistic comes from the government survey, and it points to a trend that the Ain Society, a voluntary organisation for disadvantaged youth and families, has also noticed. ... more NO BIG DEAL? 'It is increasingly seen as normal behaviour and people don't see any harm in such activities. So they are less likely to tell their loved ones not to engage in such activities.' - SOCIOLOGIST PAULIN STRAUGHAN on games like 4-D and Toto RELATED LINKS  THE TREND

The Internet provides more avenues to gamble while betting on sports, like soccer, has grown in popularity. These activities are seen as 'no big deal', say counsellors.

Reverend Edward Job, who runs a support group for gambling addicts, has one 14-year-old member who chalked up 'thousands of dollars' in soccer debts through online betting.

Most youth start by gambling with friends and buying 4-D, said the MCYS study.

The study also said there has been a substantial shift in social attitudes towards games of chance, with more people looking at lotteries and social gambling as recreational activities.

The percentage of those who consider horse betting and casino games as 'leisure activities' rose significantly from the 2005 survey - up from 8 per cent to 13 per cent this year, and from 9 per cent to 15 per cent now, respectively.

Experts are not surprised by these findings, given that buying 4-D and Toto is routine here.

Sociologist Paulin Straughan said: 'It is increasingly seen as normal behaviour and people don't see any harm in such activities. So they are less likely to tell their loved ones not to engage in such activities.'

The survey also showed Singaporeans are shelling out more on their wagers. Half of those surveyed bet $100 or less a month, up from $83 or less in 2005.

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) chairman Lim Hock San told The Straits Times that consistent public education is needed to counter betting trends here.

However, the council - set up in 2005 to address gambling addiction - said not all the news was bad.

There was no increase in gambling addiction over the past three years, said NCPG member David Chan.

To tackle youth gambling, the council is training counsellors on youth gambling and reaching out to more schools to tell students about its dangers.

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