Singapore - Singaporeans are starting to gamble at a younger age, triggering fears that the city-state could face a wave of betting addicts, a published study said on Thursday.

Nearly one-quarter of those queried started gambling when they were under 18, a 10 per cent hike over 2005.

About 70 per cent began wagering regularly before they turned 30, up from 60 per cent in 2005, said the findings in The Straits Times.

With Singapore's first two casinos scheduled to open within two years, experts warn the number of addicts could rise. Studies have shown that youth who gamble are up to four-times more likely to become addicts than adults.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports study found the percentage of gambling Malays among the predominantly Chinese population has doubled in the last three years, from 12 per cent in 2005 to 22 per cent this year.

The typical gambler is Chinese, male, between 40 to 59 years old, with a primary school education or below.

There has been a shift in social attitudes, the study noted, with more people regarding lotteries and social gambling as recreational activities.

"It is increasingly seen as normal behaviour and people don't see any harm in such activities," sociologist Paulin Straughan was quoted as saying. "So they are less likely to tell their loved ones not to engage in such activities."

People are also shelling out more on their wagers. Half of those surveyed bet 100 Singapore dollars (75 US dollars) up from 83 Singapore dollars (62 US dollars) in 2005. (dpa)