40,000 South Australians gamble at risky levels and for every one of those gamblers, between 3 and 6 other people are affected. Harms experienced by gamblers and their loved ones include financial harm, damage to relationships, emotional/psychological distress, poor health, cultural harm, issues with work/study, and criminal activity. People do not always recognise they are experiencing gambling harm until it’s too late and they are experiencing crisis. That’s why, for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2023, the Office for Problem Gambling has launched a digital media campaign called 'Gambling Harm Ahead'.
Using insights from people with lived experience in gambling harm, four key messages were developed to highlight the early signs of gambling harm that people can sometimes miss.
This campaign marks a change in direction in harm minimisation messaging that previously focused on individuals in gaming venues already experiencing a high level of harm. In contrast, the ‘Gambling Harm Ahead’ campaign takes a public health approach to gambling harm minimisation aiming to educate the community and prevent harm from escalating. The campaign has a strong presence on several digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube as well as metro and regional radio to deliver the message more broadly.
‘Gambling Harm Ahead’ launched on 15 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2023 and will conclude on 4 November 2023.
In this segment we hear from, Rory Spreckley, Manager, Office for Problem Gambling and has worked in the SA Government for several years and has a background in assisting disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Andrew, a participant in the Lived Experience in Gambling Program run by Relationships Australia SA. Ramune/Tracey, the coordinator/manager of the LEIGH program and will be supporting Andrew to tell their story.