Concern is growing in Fiji that addiction to legalised forms of gambling will be the country's next big social problem.
A study carried out by the Fiji Council of Social Services has found that addiction to gambling is responsible for a marked increase in domestic violence and a growing number of bankruptcies.
It is also responsible for a substantial increase in counselling services sought from civil society groups.
The executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, Hasan Khan, says Papua New guinea, New Caledonia and Vanuatu are already facing these problems on a big scale and the Fiji government should be forewarned from their experience.
The concerns have been raised as the government prepares to review gambling laws because of proposals to introduce gaming machines and casinos.
