Key points:
- South Australia’s 'Take a Break' campaign enables quick self-barring and is now available statewide
- 19 people self-barred during the initial four-week trial period
- The initiative is part of broader efforts to mitigate gambling harm, especially during high-risk periods like holidays
South Australia is rolling out the 'Take a Break' campaign statewide following a successful trial designed to help individuals struggling with gambling control.
The initiative provides a streamlined self-exclusion process for those seeking to limit their gambling activities.
During the four-week trial, 19 people utilised the self-barring system across 31 venues. If implemented across all active gaming rooms in South Australia, the campaign could potentially result in 226 self-exclusions over a similar period.
The trial revealed a diverse demographic of participants, with individuals ranging from 19 to 79 years old. The group was fairly evenly split, with 11 females and 8 males requesting self-exclusion.
Barring periods varied from 3 months to indefinite, with 20% of participants seeking referral to Gambling Help Services.
Good to know: The initiative is particularly targeted at individuals who may be hesitant to seek direct assistance but recognise the need to address their gambling behaviour
Administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in partnership with the Australian Hotels Association South Australia and Clubs SA, the campaign aims to provide a discreet and accessible method for individuals to take control of their gambling habits. The process is designed to be quick and straightforward, allowing users to self-bar through a simple online form accessible via QR code.
The timing of the statewide rollout coincides with the holiday period, a time often associated with increased gambling due to factors such as financial stress and family conflict.
