It doesn’t start with losing everything – it starts with subtle changes. Here are five early signs gambling harm might be creeping into your life.
Think gambling harm is when you lose the house or your marriage breaks down? Think again. A new campaign is urging South Australians to look closer at the early warning signs – before things spiral.
South Australia is leading the charge with Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. the first preventative gambling harm campaign of its kind in Australia.
This initiative moves beyond the usual warnings about financial losses and focuses on the social and emotional impacts of gambling – many of which fly under the radar.
It’s time to talk about gambling harm
The campaign highlights the early warning signs of gambling harm – like missing family time or doom-scrolling betting apps late at night.
Rory Spreckley, Manager of Gambling Harm Support SA, says identifying harm early makes a huge difference.
“The campaign aims to normalise conversations about gambling harm, just like we have with mental health,” Rory says.
“Once people start talking about gambling without shame or stigma, they’re more likely to reach out for help before things fall apart.”
“And the more we talk about it, the more we can prevent gambling from negatively impacting individuals and communities. That’s why public awareness campaigns like this one are so important.”
Gambling by the numbers
About 10,000 South Australian adults are high-risk gamblers, experiencing serious harm. But the ripple effect is even bigger – each of these individuals affects at least six others, including family, friends, and colleagues. That means high-risk gambling impacts enough South Australians to fill Adelaide Oval.
Zoom out, and it gets even more concerning:
- 30,000 South Australians are gambling at moderate risk.
- 60,000+ fall into the low-risk category.
“Low risk” might sound harmless, but Rory says it can be the first step toward bigger problems.
“The campaign is about stopping those lower-risk gamblers from slipping into serious harm,” he says. “While we’re still investing in support for high-risk gamblers, state government legislation now allows us to focus on prevention to make a real long-term difference.”
The Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. campaign is now rolling out across TV, radio, digital, and outdoor advertising.
Each ad was developed to resonate with gamblers themselves and those close to them to highlight subtle but telling signs of gambling harm – distraction at work, missing family dinners, stress-fuelled insomnia – urging South Australians to look beyond the obvious and take action before things escalate.
Gambling has changed – and so have the warning signs
Not long ago, gambling meant feeding coins into a poker machine at the pub or filling out a betting slip at the TAB. Now, gambling is online, 24/7, and evolving fast.
From sports betting and loot boxes in video games to social casino apps and fantasy sports, the lines between gaming and gambling are blurring – especially for younger South Australians.
And with gambling ads flooding social media, streaming platforms, and even sports broadcasts, placing a bet is just a few taps away.
“Sports betting is the only form of gambling that’s growing in terms of participation,” says Rory. “While pokies still cause the most harm, online gambling is expanding because it’s so easy to access and blends into everyday life.”
It’s no surprise that single, young men who use online betting are one of the groups most at risk for gambling harm
But there’s still time to get ahead of it. Sports betting hasn’t yet reached the crisis levels pokies did for older generations.
Many South Australians overestimate how common sports betting actually is. A survey found people believe almost half (46 per cent) of adults bet on sports regularly. The reality is just seven per cent placed a sports bet in the past year.
Gambling harm isn’t just about losing money
When people think of gambling harm, they picture someone losing their house or racking up massive debt. But the reality is often more subtle.
Financial losses can be devastating, but gambling harm doesn’t stop at money. It can erode relationships, impact mental health, and interfere with daily life in ways people often don’t recognise until it’s too late.
“A lot of people don’t realise how gambling affects their daily lives,” Rory says. “They struggle to focus at work, lose touch with friends, or feel constantly anxious – but they don’t always make the connection to their gambling habits.”
One lived-experience advocate involved in the campaign says they can see themselves in “every single one” of its ads.
“I’ve stayed up all night stressing, I’ve missed family events, and my work life suffered,” they share. “I lost thousands, maxed out my credit cards, and was drowning in debt before I even realised I had a problem. It wasn’t just about losing money – it was about losing control.”
Spot the harm: Five early warning signs
Gambling harm can affect anyone. The earlier you spot it, the easier it is to stop.
Here are five red flags to look out for in yourself or someone you care about:
- Gambling isn’t fun anymore – If betting used to be exciting but now feels stressful or compulsive, that’s a major sign to step back.
- Spending more than you can afford – Using money meant for bills, rent, or essentials is a huge red flag.
- Hiding or lying about gambling – If you’re keeping your gambling a secret, it’s probably causing problems.
- Mood swings linked to wins or losses – If your emotions are dictated by your bets, it’s time to reassess.
- Skipping social events or responsibilities – Prioritising gambling over family, friends, or work is a warning sign.
“One of the simplest ways to check in with yourself is to ask: ‘Is my gambling still fun?’” Rory says. “If the answer is no, that’s a major red flag.”
Spotted the harm? Here’s how to stop it
For many, gambling fills a void – whether it’s social isolation, stress relief, or chasing the thrill of a win.
Simple changes – like joining a sports club, picking up a new hobby, or spending more time with friends – can provide healthier ways to unwind and take your mind off gambling.
“People often don’t realise how much time they spend gambling until they step away and fill that time with something else,” Rory says.
There are also practical tools available, like self-exclusion from gambling venues. “You can use an app that blocks gambling sites and call your bank to restrict gambling transactions on your card,” he says.
And if you or someone you know needs extra support, the Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm. website has plenty of resources – whether you’re the one gambling or a concerned friend or family member.
Need help? It’s here
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to ask for help. Whether you’re feeling uneasy about your gambling or struggling financially, support is available – and it works.
“The Gambling Helpline is available all day, every day, just like Lifeline or Kids Helpline,” Rory says. “You don’t have to be the one gambling to call – if you’re worried about someone, you can get advice on how to start that conversation.”
South Australians can access free, confidential, 24/7 support for gambling harm via phone or Facetime at 1800 858 858 or online here.
