‘No one should suffer in silence’: SA Govt highlights early gambling warnings
South Australia’s Department of Human Services – along with its Gambling Harm Support SA unit – has released a campaign to inform people of gambling harm’s early signs.
Having officially kicked off on Sunday, the ‘Spot the Harm, Stop the Harm’ campaign identifies “the often-misunderstood non-financial harms of gambling”, on top of encouraging South Australians to reflect on how often they think about gambling.
Overall the campaign seeks to bar medium and low-risk gamblers from becoming high-risk gamblers.
It was developed by Sauce. The Creative Agency – an Adelaide-based agency that rebranded in late 2024 from Black Sheep Advertising.
“We were incredibly excited to be given this chance, and we’re thrilled with the work. The message is simple and powerful: if you spot the harm, you can stop the harm,” said David Ormston, co-creative director at Sauce.
The platform has three 30-second commercials to demonstrate its message: one focusing on a man in a pub whose gambling keeps him up at night; another following a mum who misses a family dinner because she was playing the poker machine; and another on an office worker whose addiction causes him to indulge in gambling while at work.
Outside of TVC, it’s running across digital executions, large format outdoor, out-of-home (OOH), radio and BVOD platforms.
“It’s a huge responsibility and opportunity to be given the chance to change community behaviour for the better,” added Michael Gagliardi, Sauce’s co-creative director.
Credit: Sauce. The Creative Agency
When asked about the campaign Minister of Human Services Nat Cook described it as “a bold step” in educating South Australians on the risks associated with gambling.
“No one should suffer in silence. Gambling harm isn’t just financial – it affects mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing,” she said.
“‘Spot the Harm, Stop the Harm’ is a bold step towards ensuring South Australians understand the risks and seek help when they need it.”
CREDITS
Client – Department of Human Services:
Manager Gambling Harm Support SA – Rory Spreckley
Principal Marketing Communications Advisor – Kristine Underwood
Senior Programs Officer – Adam Malerba
Agency – SAUCE. The Creative Agency
Managing Director and Principal – Tom Ootes
Creative Director – Michael Gagliardi
Creative Director – David Ormston
Account Director – Hafsa Qureshi
Director of Brand Strategy – Andrew Millar
Senior Designer/Art Director – Franwyn Botha
Senior Designer and Animator – Danilo Watanabe
Designer – Carly Staszuk
Production
Production Company – Proetic
Producer - David Ockenden
Co Producer – Erica Ockenden
Director - Nicholas Muecke
DOP - Nick Frayne
1st AC - Jake Copper
Steadi Cam – Andy Stankovich
Gaffer - Mat Schmidt
Alex Assist – Eloise Holoubek
Sound – Josh Williams
Art Department - Ann-Marie Steed
Costume – Sam Van Gyen
Hair & Makeup - Bonnie Charles
Runne – Lindsay Tucker
Post-Production
Editor & Colourist - Sam Matthews
Sound – Scott Illingworth (Seeing Sounds)
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