The list of problem gamblers looking to be excluded from Macau casinos grew longer in the first half of 2018, according to the special administrative region’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

At least 233 people requested casino exclusion in the January to June 30, 2018 period, up 34.2 percent from 179 requests received in the same period last year. Of the 233 requests, the DICJ said that 33 were applied for by third parties, such as family members.

The number of requests for self-exclusion was also higher in the second quarter of 2018 than in Q1. Despite the increase, it’s fair to say that the figures still look miniscule compared with those who want to gamble in Macau casinos.

Last year, Macau welcomed 32.6 million visitors, the majority of whom spent their time playing games inside the city’s biggest casinos. The DICJ received at least 376 applications for exclusions in 2017.