24 Oct 2026
Fewer South Australians Gambling, but Harm Increases Among Those Who Do.
A new report commissioned by Gambling Harm Support SA has found that while fewer South Australians are participating in gambling, harm from gambling remains a significant issue across the community. The findings come from the South Australian Gambling Survey 2025, prepared by CQUniversity’s Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory.
The survey found that 54.2% of South Australian adults had gambled in the previous 12 months, continuing a long-term decline from previous surveys. Despite this, nearly one in five people who gambled reported experiencing some degree of gambling harm, the highest proportion recorded in South Australia to date.
Around 12% of South Australian adults, equivalent to approximately 183,000 people, experienced harm from either their own gambling or someone else’s gambling during the previous year. Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) remained the largest contributor to gambling harm, while young men were identified as the group most affected.
The survey also highlighted low levels of help-seeking and lower awareness of support services among culturally and linguistically diverse communities, reinforcing the importance of prevention, early intervention, education and access to support.
To read the report or view key findings, visit: https://gamblingharmsupport.sa.gov.au/about/gambling-surveys