New campaign helps South Australians spot gambling harm early

A $1 million advertising campaign is helping South Australians recognise the early signs of gambling harm and take action before things get worse.

We have launched the next stage of our Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. campaign to mark the start of Gambling Harm Action Week, which runs from 25 to 31 October 2026.

The campaign encourages people to recognise when gambling is affecting their lives, talk about it and seek help early. It builds on the first stage of the campaign launched in 2025 and will reach people across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

Gambling harm is more than losing money

Gambling harm can affect your relationships, physical and mental health, work and everyday life.

The latest South Australian Gambling Survey 2025 shows that fewer South Australians are gambling, but the harm experienced across the community is becoming more serious.

The survey found that:

• Around 183,000 South Australian adults are experiencing harm from their own or someone else's gambling.
• Just over half (54.2%) of South Australian adults gambled in the past 12 months.
• Men aged 18 to 39 experience more than 40% of all gambling harm in South Australia.

Rory Spreckley, Manager of Gambling Harm Support SA, said the findings showed why it was important to recognise gambling harm early.

"Fewer South Australians are gambling, which is encouraging, but this new survey tells us that harm is becoming more intense for the people, families and communities experiencing it."

Spot the harm before it gets worse

Research shows that many people do not recognise the early signs of gambling harm.

Gambling might be affecting your relationships, your health, your work or the time you spend with family and friends.

Mr Spreckley said the campaign was about helping people recognise these changes and take action. "This campaign is about early action, not judgement. You don’t have to lose everything for gambling to be causing harm."

Danny, who has experienced gambling harm, knows how important it is to recognise the signs. He started gambling at 18 and later received support to address the issues behind his gambling.

"I recognised that for me gambling harm was more than just financial losses," Danny said. He hopes the campaign will help others recognise gambling harm in their own lives or in the lives of people they care about.

The $1 million campaign is funded through the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund. While it is aimed at all South Australians, it has a particular focus on younger men, who experience a higher share of gambling harm.

Gambling Harm Action Week

Gambling Harm Action Week runs from 25 to 31 October 2026.

The week encourages South Australians to learn about gambling harm, talk about it and know that support is available.

It is also a reminder that you do not have to wait until gambling causes serious problems before asking for help.

Find support for gambling harm

If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, help is available.

Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.
• Visit Gambling Harm Support SA for information, advice and support.