By Kim Bo-eun

People in their 20s account for a large percentage of gambling addicts, according to a recent study released Monday.

The study was based on a survey of 1,340 adults conducted by Lee Choong-ki, a professor at the college of tourism at Kyunghee University

The poll discovered that those in their 20s accounted for 37 percent of the total gambling addicts, followed by those in their 30s at 26.5 percent and 40-somethings with 23.5 percent.

Most of the gamblers were found to have either graduated university or were attending one. The majority were married.

Sixty-five percent of the respondents said they had purchased Lotto, or lottery tickets, while 8.9 percent had bought Toto and Proto, a type of sports lottery.

According to the survey, 6.8 percent visited casinos; 6.5 percent bet on horse racing and track cycling each; and 1.7 percent used Internet betting sites.

As for average monthly income, the group earning between 2 million and 3.9 million won comprised the largest at 37.5 percent; followed by those making from 1 million to 1.9 million won at 20.5 percent; and people bringing home 4 million to 5.9 million won at 23 percent.

“The amount of the bet should decrease for individuals to be able to enjoy the game instead of blindly aiming to win money,” said Lee. “Information about the possibility of winning is necessary in order for gamblers to have a realistic idea of winning.”