Gambling addiction
April 9, 2010As the craze interest of studying abroad, the age of Chinese international students becomes younger. The mental health issues associated with young students are crucial. Gambling is a typical problem of certain Chinese overseas students.
In 2008, the news about a couple of Chinese students were killed in Newcastle shocked both Britain and China. According to the UK police’s inspection, these two victims might have been involved in an international football Internet betting scam. Actually, I heard about many gambling stories from Chinese friends, and this is a really serious phenomenon in the UK.
A casino near China Town with Chinese slogan
Steven Wei told me that two of his friends study in the Lancaster University keep gambling. “They drive to the casino in Blackpool every Friday, it is like a routine thing for them. Sometimes they go there twice a week. Usually, they spend 3,000 to 4,000 pounds for gambling once a time.” Another story is about a Chinese guy betting on basketball and football, he once earned 7,000 pounds, but has lost 5,000 pounds at a time as well. “If you go inside any casino in Leicester Square in London, it is full of Chinese students,” Wei said. He also talked about his opinion towards gambling. “ Some people just try it for fun, it is a different experience and may meet different friends. However, if you are addicted to it, it will not only
affect studies, but also waste money from parents.”
In terms of gambling, the house always wins. In China, we said that if you try ten times, you would definitely lose nine. What are the factors cause Chinese international students, a special community, addict to gambling?
On the one side, gambling itself is a speculation—the price of high return is high risk. People hold the beliefs of luck and perseverance. Once you won some, you have the illusion of control and look for more. On the other side, we have to consider the situation of Chinese students. There is no doubt that loneliness is the most common feeling of Chinese students in the UK. They are far away from family and friends, and havn’t build up good friendship with native people, some students go to casino to spend time and reduce loneliness. In addition, faced with high pressure of study in the university, and unrespectable difficulties of living in a foreign country, gambling is regarded as an exciting activity to release anxiety. Some students even give up their studies and use up all tuition fees for gambling. For these young people, they still lack of the money and time management abilities, and cannot resist the temptation.
Casino Empire attracts Chinese people
However, quit gambling is not as easy task. Parents should pay enough attention to their children’s mental health, but not only supporting money. These students have to think about the consequences of their actions, and find something else to do immediately. Healthier habits could be developed such as travel and sports. Meanwhile, they have to try to make friends with people from different countries and attend regular lectures and activities.
In London, the Chinese Mental Health Association has started the “Chinese GamCare Project” to offer support to people with a gambling addication. About this project, there is a short film clip called Take A Chance .
Is gambling a problem of your friend? What is your opinion about gambling?
Becoming Chinglish 
As you said the house always wins. Perhaps you can get much one time, but nobody can promise that you can win the next time. There are so many measures to mitigate the high pressure, why choose the gambling……..
As I know, most international students feel lonely and think the life is monotonous. But I think the purpose we study aboard is not only getting the knowledge but also learning how to build up the relationship with the indigenous or native people.
It seems that many Chinese students abroad don’t have a definite aim of studying there. And I’m glad you still hold on to your principles. The gambling problem is worth our whole country’s attention!