South Australians have lost a staggering $1.84 billion to gambling in just one year, with new figures revealing the growing impact of gambling harm, particularly among young men.
In response, the State Government is rolling out the next phase of its $1 million Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. campaign on Sunday 25 October, targeting online sports betting and encouraging South Australians to recognise the warning signs before gambling begins to seriously affect their lives.
The campaign coincides with Gambling Harm Action Week, running from 25 to 31 October, and comes as research reveals the extent of gambling harm across the state.
According to the latest South Australian Gambling Survey, approximately 183,000 South Australian adults are experiencing harm from their own gambling or someone else’s.
Men aged 18 to 39 account for 40.6 per cent of gambling harm in South Australia, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the adult population.
National research also shows that 88.5 per cent of Australians who bet on sport in 2025 did so online at least half the time. Meanwhile, a 2023 survey found more than 70 per cent of regular online sports and racing bettors were at risk of or already experiencing gambling harm.
Gambling losses across South Australia reached $1.84 billion in 2024–25, an increase from $1.78 billion the previous year.
While overall gambling participation has declined, the latest research indicates the harm experienced by individuals, families and communities has intensified.
Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard said the accessibility of online gambling was a growing concern.
“Online sports betting is accessible at the touch of a button, and we are particularly concerned about the harm it can cause young men.”
The campaign aims to demonstrate that gambling harm extends well beyond financial losses, potentially affecting relationships, mental and physical health, employment and daily life.
Warning signs can include spending money intended for essential expenses, gambling for longer than planned, constantly thinking about betting, disrupted sleep, irritability and feelings of guilt or regret.
The initiative also features people with lived experience, including Danny, who began gambling at 18 and is now 44.
After years of struggling with gambling and substance abuse, Danny sought support through the Woolshed Therapeutic Community Rehabilitation Program and later connected with Relationships Australia’s gambling harm services.
Through his recovery, he came to understand that gambling harm was about more than money and began addressing the underlying issues contributing to his behaviour.
He has since secured opportunities to work in support services, helping others facing similar challenges.
“I was involved in the Spot the Harm, Stop the Harm campaign. I think it goes a long way to assist members of the community to recognise their own potential gambling harms or the harms of loved ones. This is an important first step in seeking support.”
The $1 million campaign is funded through the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund and includes research, campaign development and advertising across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.
The State Government hopes the renewed campaign will encourage more people to seek help early, while reducing the stigma surrounding gambling harm.
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