The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and the South Australian Government have launched separate gambling harm awareness drives during the last week of October, each using a different approach to reach bettors.
Victoria's 'Know your why' campaign is part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, which runs from 24 to 31 October.
The VGCCC enlisted former Australian rules footballer Sam Docherty and rugby league player Cameron Munster for digital material produced with consumer neuroscientist Dr Phil Harris. The athletes discuss how personal priorities can help people set boundaries before placing a bet.
The Victorian regulator is promoting three habits: take a break, bet no more than once a week and set a time limit. VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said gambling providers have year-round responsibilities to minimise harm.
The commission says Victorians spend more than AU$7bn (US$4.92bn) on gambling each year, including AU$2.6bn on wagering and sports betting.
In South Australia, the next phase of the state's AU$1m 'Spot the Harm. Stop the Harm.' campaign began on 25 October. It concentrates on online sports betting and the impact on young men, with advertising planned for metropolitan Adelaide and regional areas.
The wider campaign is funded by the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund, covering research, development and advertising.
The 2025 South Australian Gambling Survey indicates that about 183,000 adults are experiencing harm linked to their own gambling or another person's. Gambling losses in the state reached AU$1.84bn during 2024-25, up from AU$1.78bn the previous financial year.
Human Services Minister Katrine Hildyard said the accessibility of online sports betting was a particular concern for young men.
South Australia's campaign also coincides with Gambling Harm Action Week, running from 25 to 31 October. Its messaging asks people to recognise signs such as betting for longer than planned, using money intended for essentials and feeling guilt or regret.
Victoria's initiative, meanwhile, asks bettors to consider their frequency and time spent gambling. The two states are running distinct campaigns under their own awareness weeks, with no joint programme announced.
Victoria's latest campaign follows the VGCCC's Dumb Thumb campaign which encouraged bettors to set limits before using wagering apps.
Men aged 18 to 39 account for 40.6% of gambling harm in South Australia, according to the latest state survey
