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A gambling counselling hotline, 1834 633, and two counselling and treatment centres will commence operation tomorrow (October 15) to assist those who encounter problems with their gambling behaviour and persons who are affected by problem gamblers.

Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho said: "Anyone with problems arising from their gambling behaviour, or who are affected by problem gamblers, could seek help through the hotline. Enquiries on how to assess the severity of the problems related to gambling behaviour and how to prevent such problems are also welcomed."

The gambling counselling hotline will be operated by the two counselling and treatment centres. Calls made to the gambling counselling hotline during the opening hours of the two centres will be handled by trained professionals.

"Apart from providing counselling and treatment services, these centres will also organise public education programme on gambling-related problems." Dr Ho added.

The licensees for authorised football betting and lotteries have been requested to display information relating to the gambling counselling hotline as well as the two counselling and treatment centres in both their betting outlets and websites.

The two centres, run by Caritas and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals respectively, are financed by The Ping Wo Fund, a charitable trust fund set up by the Government to finance measures to address gambling-related problems.

Details of the two counselling and treatment centres are as follows:

Opening hours

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Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

10 am - 7 pm

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

10 am - 10 pm

Close on Sundays and public holidays

Addresses

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Caritas A.G. Counselling Centre (temporary office)

11 On Yin Street

Chai Wan Circuit

Tsuen Wan

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre (temporary office)

Room 1501

Tung Ning Building

2 Hillier Street

Sheung Wan

End/Tuesday, October 14, 2003

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