WHILE the challenges of gambling harm are continuing to evolve, a number of community services are providing support tailored to those living rurally.<\/p>\n
Uniting Country SA\u2019s Gambling Help Services provide support specifically for regional South Australians dealing with gambling harm.<\/p>\n
Port Lincoln-based rural service provider Anna Angus said focusing on accessibility, cultural safety, and early intervention were effective approaches to regional support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe service offers therapeutic counselling, financial counselling \u2013 or where applicable referral to financial counselling services \u2013 community education, and harm\u2013minimisation programs,\u201d Ms Angus said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is to reduce gambling\u2013related harm, strengthen wellbeing, and support people to regain control of their financial, emotional, and social health.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal services collaborate effectively to create integrated responses. Once trust is established, many clients show a willingness to engage in support.<\/p>\n
\u201cA combination of community and service collaboration contributes to a resilient environment where individuals and families can recover and rebuild.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Angus said social and community circumstances in rural areas created unique challenges surrounding gambling.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn smaller regional towns people often know each other and potentially service providers, this may act as a barrier to help seeking due to fear of being recognised,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere continues to be stigma and shame around gambling harm which can discourage early intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cSocial isolation, fewer recreational options, and the role of hotels, clubs and venues increase exposure to gambling, while the rise of online gambling adds further risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Angus said an increasing shift toward online gambling and simulated gambling was creating new forms of harm that are less visible to families, services,and communities.<\/p>\n
Ms Angus said the ease of access of online gambling, the constant availability, and targeted advertising of online platforms means people can gamble privately and at higher frequency, often without the social checks that exist in physical venues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a growing risk of gambling harm among young males in regional South Australia, services are observing increased engagement in sports betting and online gambling,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe privacy of online gambling and availability 24\/7, makes gambling accessible anywhere, at any time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a dangerous normalisation of gambling through sports and online advertising targeting young males. Young men are increasingly presenting with significant financial stress linked to the use of payday loans to fund gambling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Angus said providing a \u201cwelcoming, confidential, and client\u2013centred\u201d experience for those struggling with gambling harm was an ongoing goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitial contact is handled by experienced staff who listen without judgement and provide reassurance,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cClients are offered timely access to counselling, financial counselling, or other relevant supports, with flexibility around appointment types, including in\u2013person, phone, or outreach options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe service prioritises building trust, ensuring cultural safety, and creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout the process, staff work collaboratively with clients to identify therapeutic goals, reduce harm, and connect them with additional services as needed, ensuring a supportive and coordinated response from initial contact through to ongoing care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anyone in the Limestone Coast experiencing difficulty surrounding gambling harm can contact Lifeline South East on (08)8723 2299.<\/p>\n