As part of their “Take a Break” campaign rolling out across South Australia, the Malinauskas Government have recently revealed the results of a fascinating new trial. As part of an initiative aimed at helping people struggling with gambling, the trial encouraged gamblers to ban themselves from the pokies using an online platform.

During a four week period, 31 venues in South Australia pinned up posters on their walls featuring a QR code. By scanning the code, people would be linked to a website where they could specify their “self exclusion” by choosing the type of gambling, the venue, and the time period they wanted to be barred during.

By the following business day, these online exclusions would be processed by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).

Take a Break has certainly been an interesting initiative. But what were the results?

Well, during the trial, a total of 19 people asked to be self-excluded. Remember that this was only trialed in 31 venues, which means that if it was active in all gaming rooms across SA, the numbers suggest that there would have been closer to 226 self-exclusions during the four weeks.

We think the results are quite encouraging, a verdict shared by Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels, who says “It’s fantastic that our Take a Break trial has successfully helped people struggling with their gambling. 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.”

Currently, the Take a Break campaign is expected to be available in all South Australian gaming venues by Christmas. It’s great timing, because the holiday season usually sees an increase in gambling activities due to a variety of causes like financial stress or family conflict.

As part of their efforts, the government has also announced a revision in the trading of Gaming Machine Entitlements (GMEs) to try and reduce the number of available machines. A new internet marketplace will be used for the buying and selling of machines between licence holders. This well require a surrendering of a portion of GMEs for each transaction.

South Australia has some of the best barring legislation in Australia, allowing individuals to apply to self-exclusion, while people with concern for another’s wellbeing can apply for a barring order.

The Take a Break campaign and the changes to GME trading will hopefully drive some positive change by encouraging individuals with gambling issues to seek assistance. Ideally, these plans will complement the broader efforts to reduce gambling harm in South Australia.