More than 40 percent of the 510 respondents, aged between 15 and 40, said they played electronic games either several times a week or everyday, said Robert Chung Ting-yiu, director of the university's Public Opinion Program.

A quarter of those aged between 15 and 20 said they played every day.

The respondents said they spent an average of around HK$698 on entertainment and relaxation each month and that 18 percent of this, or HK$127, went on electronic games.

Chung suggested this relatively small expenditure was probably because most of those interviewed bought pirated games.

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The most popular are computer games from Japan, with Playstation mainstays being the favorite for those aged 15 to 20.

Nearly 80 percent of those who play electronic games said it helps them relax while about two-thirds believe it helps them think logically.

Eighty five percent said they primarily play electronic games at home.

"Of course, it is bad if children become too addicted," Chung said, adding that games do not provide the same opportunity to interact with other children as sporting activities would.

WENDY LEUNG