A recent study by Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) researchers reveals that the pandemic has significantly altered the gambling behaviors of mainland Chinese gamblers in Macau.
The research, led by Dr. Jinquan Zhou and his colleagues Hong-Wai Ho and Chi Biu Chan, highlights a major shift from land-based to online gambling during the pandemic, and key findings indicate notable differences based on marital status, duration of stay, and demographic factors.
The study surveyed 334 mainland Chinese gamblers, revealing that more than half (51.2 percent) of the participants stopped gambling entirely during the pandemic.
The strict public health measures and travel restrictions played a crucial role in deterring gamblers from visiting Macau’s casinos. Consequently, many turned to online gambling as an alternative.
The data show a notable rise in online gambling activities, with 52.4 percent of respondents engaging in online platforms. This shift was more pronounced among younger gamblers, indicating a generational trend towards digital gambling options.
Men were particularly inclined to switch to online gambling, with 77.7 percent of the online gamblers being male.
Socio-demographic factors and gambling behavior
The study also delved into the socio-demographic characteristics influencing gambling behavior. Significant differences were observed based on gender, gambling habits, income levels, and the frequency of gambling before the pandemic.
Interestingly, marital status affected decisions to travel to Macau for gambling but did not significantly influence online gambling habits.
For instance, married individuals who did travel to Macau during the pandemic spent more time and money in casinos compared to their single counterparts.
However, their gambling budgets remained consistent before and during the pandemic. Across all marital statuses, there was no significant change in gambling expenditure during the pandemic.
Among those who did visit Macau’s casinos during the pandemic, high-value gamblers tended to extend their stays, spending more money compared to those who stayed for shorter periods (1-2 days).
Respondents who stayed at the casinos for six to 12 hours or more than two days were more involved in gambling activities than those who stayed for only one to two days. Prior to the pandemic, individuals with gambling budgets exceeding RMB30,001 ($4,137) were more common, indicating that high-value gamblers had larger budgets before the pandemic.
Age demographics showed that gamblers under 25 and those aged 26 to 35 were more prevalent during the pandemic than those over 36, suggesting a higher participation rate among younger gamblers. This was seen as a sign that this age group is more adaptable to changing gambling environments.
Regular gamblers before the pandemic, particularly those who gambled daily, maintained a higher frequency of play compared to those who gambled weekly, monthly, or irregularly. Younger gamblers also showed a higher frequency of social gambling.
The study also noted significant differences in online gambling behaviors based on educational attainment. College-educated individuals were more likely to engage in online gambling than those with a high school education or below. Frequent gamblers before the pandemic continued to gamble more frequently during the pandemic.
In terms of age, online gamblers aged 26 to 35 exhibited significantly higher expenditure compared to those aged 35 to 45. Additionally, gamblers under 25 and those aged 26 to 35 demonstrated higher gambling moods and social gambling involvement compared to older age groups.
Gamblers engaging in sessions longer than two days were more common than those participating for one to two days, indicating that online gambling meets the socialization needs of gamblers over extended periods.
According to the study, the shift to online gambling presents new public health challenges. While the decrease in land-based gambling could help control problem gambling to some extent, the rise of online gambling necessitates targeted public health strategies.
Dr. Zhou and his team emphasized the need for a coordinated approach involving policymakers, gaming operators, and the community to mitigate the negative impacts of gambling.
The researchers then called for enhanced support services and education to safeguard individuals and communities from the potential harms of gambling addiction.
