Fears stoked of gambling ‘epidemic’

Fears stoked of gambling ‘epidemic’

Online betting ‘puts more youths at risk’

Academics have expressed concern that new technology may hinder efforts to regulate illegal betting and to keep young people away from the habit.

Speaking at a seminar on gambling addiction last week, Tham Chuesathapanasiri, a specialist from the National Institute for Child and Family Development at Mahidol University, said the gambling industry has changed since the advent of online gaming.

Legalising casinos to prevent illegal gambling may no longer be relevant in an era where the internet and smart devices have brought betting to people’s fingertips, he said.

Meanwhile, digital currencies and blockchain technology look set to transform the gambling industry and their use could make it more difficult for authorities to trace financial…