Advertisements, mandatory messaging and signage

There are very specific rules that apply to all forms of gambling advertising.

This includes advertising on social media, indoor and outdoor signage, websites, television and radio.

Advertising gambling rules

The rules include:

• how the expressions 'win' and '$' may be used in advertisements
• black-out periods for advertising on television and radio
• prohibitions on including minors or the consumption of alcohol in advertising
• prohibiting advertising that suggests a player's skill can influence the outcome of the game
• ensuring that gambling advertising is not false, misleading or deceptive.

These rules are mandatory, and are outlined in more detail in the relevant gambling code of practice.

Penalties apply if a gaming provider does not comply with a mandatory provision of any gambling code of practice.

Mandatory warning messages - in venue gambling operators

All gambling advertising by hotels and clubs, the casino, the (SA) Lotteries Commission and venue-based wagering operators must include the correct mandatory warning message.

The condensed warning message is determined by the date of the advertisement – as allocated below.

The expanded warning message uses the relevant message  above, immediately followed by  ‘For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit GamblingHelpOnline.org.au ’.

The expanded warning messages must be used in gambling advertising, unless unreasonable or impracticable,. resulting in use of the condensed warning message. If that is also unreasonable or impracticable gambling advertising may include the text ‘For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit GamblingHelpOnline.org.au .

In-venue signage

Gaming venues with gaming machines must also display mandatory signage.

Signage requirements for gaming areas (PDF 1.7MB)

Key responsibilities for gaming machine licensees

Consistent gambling messaging – interactive wagering services

Interactive wagering service providers are required to include the consistent gambling messaging which is a measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering in all relevant promotional and advertising materials.

The 7 taglines for use have been informed by extensive behavioural research and are as follows:

• Chances are you’re about to lose.

• Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

• What’s gambling really costing you?

• What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

• Imagine what you could be buying instead.

• You win some. You lose more.

• What are you really gambling with?

A call-to-action with details of support services for safer gambling is required to accompany the tagline which has been used.

The standard call to action is: For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.

There are different call-to-action messages and requirements for the use of them depending on what platform the advertising is presented on as well as the length of the advertisement.

More information about the consistent gambling messaging requirements, including rotation of messages is in Gambling Administration Guidelines - consistent gambling messaging (PDF 12.9MB).

Ban of gambling advertising on public transport

From 1 July 2026, gambling advertisements are banned on buses, trains and trams owned by the state government.

• Guidelines for ban of gambling advertising on public transport (202.6 KB PDF)
• Frequently ask questions about the ban of gambling advertising on public transport (1.0 MB PDF)

For questions about gambling advertising on public transport, contact the Department for Infrastructure and Transport at DIT.CommercialServices@sa.gov.au.

Related information

• Making a complaint about a gambling provider
• Codes of practice