South Australians are being encouraged to look out for one another and take steps to reduce the impact of gambling harm during Gambling Harm Action Week 2025 (19–25 October).

This year’s theme, “Supporting those close to you” highlights the important role that family, friends and communities play in recognising when someone may be experiencing gambling harm as well as encouraging them to seek help.

To support this, a new series of materials/resources have been developed through a co-design process led by people with lived experience of gambling harm that provide:

• practical tips for starting conversations with loved ones
• advice on how to support children affected by gambling harm
• help understanding why people gamble
• clear information on how to access gambling help services.

The resources/materials facts are available online through Gambling Harm Support SA and will be distributed to over 450 pubs, clubs and help services across the State.

As part of the week, another burst of the hugely successful Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. campaign will run from 19 October to 5 November. Independent evaluation of the initiative has shown this campaign is driving positive change, with 38% of people who spent $100 or more per month on gambling saying the ads helped them cut down their gambling. This is important because we know for many gamblers who spend large amounts of money per month, they believe they don’t have their gambling under control, thought they could beat it themselves and were too embarrassed to seek help.

South Australians are encouraged to learn more and access support by visiting gambling harm support.sa.gov.au. If individuals require immediate help, they can contact the 24/7 Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.