Most will presume that, for die-hard punters at number-betting outlets, there is no such thing as one draw too many. Yet, that is exactly what hardcore gamblers are complaining about.

While admitting that they are addicted, they want the government to place strict laws and not allow the gaming companies concerned to offer more draws than they are allowed to.

Kam Ah Loy ( right ), 49, who has been placing bets on the same number for more than 30 years, believed that extra 'special draws' held every Tuesday since early this year had become a burden rather than a form of excitement.

'Special draws' used to be a popular twice-yearly affair usually held before the Chinese New Year for people hoping to strike it big before the festive season.

"Now, there is nothing special about it anymore, it is adding one more gambling day to the existing three on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday," he said.

The only difference is the three gaming companies take turns in holding the special draw. All three conduct their own draws on normal days, altogether offering more than ten different games at the same time.

I have three 'sons'

Although one can place a bet for as low as RM1, virtually nobody goes out of a betting shop with only one ticket because the various games available means you have to place multiple bets for different winning numbers in every game.

"I am still single today but I have three 'sons' - Toto, Magnum, and Da Ma Cai (number-betting companies). I could never afford to marry," said Kam.

Another avid gambler Lee Wai Chee, 50, used to spend up to RM50 each draw day but had to cut down on his habit due to the recent petrol price hike.

Now, because of the extra special draw, he has to fork out extra.

"This is too much! With the 3D, 4D, 5D and the jackpot draws, I can't even keep track of how many numbers I buy each week," he said.

What's so special about 'special draw'?

Kam explained he cannot change the habit due to peer pressure as gamblers are close-knit and "easy come, easy go" people, often borrowing money from each other.

"If friends ask me for money, I can't say no, instead I will ask them to come back on a Monday (after the weekend draws). If I win anything, I can lend them some.

"What will happen if I don't buy? What if the number I've been following for 30 years wins a prize that day? Surely they won't believe I did not buy it, I will lose my family (of friends) then!" Kam said.

Night market trader Lim Lay Geok (left), 41, also claimed to be a victim of the special draws although she was never a punter. Her husband's gambling habit has affected her and family.

"The problem is not about whether you are forced to gamble or not. If it is only the people's fault, why does the government create more opportunities to let them suffer more. Might as well make every day a special draw day then?" she retorted angrily.

Lim tried to make her husband stop gambling by leaving him, taking their two children with her, but ended up returning after he promised to change.

"He is not a bad man, he just has a bad hobby. He didn't stop me from coming (to talk to the press)," said Lim, adding that she understood it is impossible to stop gambling activities completely but requested for the special draw on Tuesdays to be abolished.

Lee said if the government wants people to change their bad habits, they should not create more avenues for gambling.

Finance Ministry must explain

DAP Consumer Bureau secretary Khong Chee Seng ( left ) said social problems are bound to rise as a result of people gambling more.

"We want an explanation from the finance minister, as to why the special draw is approved for every Tuesday. We don't see anything special in it," he said.

Kam added that most who indulge in gambling are not the rich people because they don't need the money, while those who suffer are the poor who are hopping to make a quick buck.

"I heard the government is using income from the approved special draws to do community projects. But they shouldn't take away more money from people who are already poor," he said.