SA Government to launch gambling support campaign state-wide after successful trial
The South Australian government’s ‘Take a Break’ campaign – that supports those have difficulties controlling their gambling – will roll out across the state following a successful trial.
As part of the trial, 31 venues across South Australia displayed posters with a QR code to an online form enabling a person to advise the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) of the types of gambling they want to be barred from, where, and for how long, in just a couple minutes.
Over the four-week period, 19 people requested to be barred through ‘Take a Break’ – the majority being in the metro area. Of the 19, 11 were female and eight were male, ranging from 19-79 years of age. Barring lengths varied from three months to a indefinite period, and 20% asked to be referred to a Gambling Help Service.
If the QR codes were in every active gaming room in the state, it would equate to 226 barrings in just 4 weeks.
“It’s fantastic that our ‘Take a Break’ trial has successfully helped people struggling with their gambling,” said Andrea Michaels MP, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs.
“Far too often people at risk of gambling harm know they need help, but don’t know where to turn or may not be ready to talk about it.
“The ‘Take a Break’ initiative allows people to discreetly apply to have themselves barred from a venue and can serve as a circuit breaker to ongoing gambling harm.
“This is particularly valuable at this time of year when we know that rates of gambling increase over the Christmas period with factors such as financial stress, family conflict and substance use potentially triggering people to gamble.”
The campaign will now roll out state-wide, administered by CBS in partnership with the Australian Hotels Association South Australia (AHA SA) and Clubs SA.
“AHA SA is excited that the successful ‘Take a Break’ initiative will now be available to all hotels across our state,” said Anna Moeller, chief executive officer at AHA SA.
“South Australia already leads the nation with its suite of harm minimisation measures and this discreet tool will assist a range of individuals who otherwise may not feel able to seek support.
“Gaming Care officers will be out on the road and there to assist venues to implement this new resource.”
Clubs SA chief executive officer, Peter Apostolopoulos, added: “Clubs SA and its responsible gambling arm, Club Safe, are strongly committed to supporting initiatives that promote responsible gambling practices and provide meaningful support to those who need it most.
“The success of the Take a Break trial highlights the demand for simple and discreet tools that empower individuals at risk of gambling harm to take that crucial first step toward regaining control.
“This initiative has been embraced by our clubs, with members appreciating its accessibility and ease of use. Remarkably, many applicants were first-time users of self-barring measures, underscoring the program’s reach and impact.
“We are proud to partner on this initiative, ensuring that our clubs, as the heart of their communities, remain safe and supportive environments for all, as we look forward to rolling Take a Break out across all clubs in the new year.”
Support is available via the Gambling Help hotline on 1800 858 858.
SUBSCRIBE
Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.
