Cash and betting slips seized by Police have fallen significantly since the authorisation of soccer betting.

Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho told legislators today the amount of cash and slips seized fell from $34 million in January to July 2003, immediately before authorisation, to $23 million in 2005.

From October 2003 to September 2005, the two pilot counselling and treatment centres for problem and pathological gamblers received 8,382 requests for assistance, mainly through their telephone help line. Of them, 1,976 cases required counselling and follow-up action.

Dr Ho said the Government has commissioned the University of Hong Kong to conduct a study on Hong Kong's gambling activities. Findings are expected by year's-end and the Government will take them into account when devising and implementing measures to tackle gambling problems.