Reply from Dr Chin

Hi,

Those signs (goggle) may fit your mum's gambling behaviour but that at the moment, they may just be your perception/concerns. Thus, you will need to be sure before discussing or sharing your concerns with her. By the way, you did not tell me the signs that may relate to your mum? If your suspicion is true, she may deny she has got a problem with gambling. So what made you think your mum has a problem? Are there gambling support group where you are? If so, check it with them. The family is a very important support network too, so bear that in mind. I am sure the counsellor will inform you of that too. The family needs to show both support and their concerns to your mum. But like I said, please be sure before you approach your mum. Let me know the signs that your refer to about your mum. I am not a resident in Malaysia as I live in UK.

Regards,

Dr. Chin

Hi Dr Chin

Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate that. I didn't know you are in UK and thought that you may know where I can seek help locally; I don't know where to turn to. Before you, I called up Genting and managed to talk to a Manager about the Self-Exclusion Program. She told me the "counselor" they have is a member of the HR Dept and only provide the service in the casino!

Here's why I think my mom is pathological. I went to Genting twice last week to stop her from gambling. The week before, my elder brother went up to get her down, based on his suspicion. In Nov 2008, my mom collapsed in the casino and was sent by ambulance to HUKM; and again in July 2009. In the last 3 years, among my brothers, we have cleared tens of thousands of gambling debt for my mom; I have to prepare a couple more checks totaling RM21k for Ah Long today. This has been going on for years, my dad accused her of losing tremendous amount of money in Genting before their separation.

My mom fits at least 8 of the list here. She has not committed any fraud yet.

Is there gambling support group in KL? I don't know. I found one, but there is no phone number and I do not know if it's active. I'm going to try this first.

We are not completely helpless, I will continue to find a way. I have started a blog to document this. May I have your permission to publish your response?

Thank you.
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