South Australia hits $1 billion pokies loss as gambling crisis deepens
South Australians lost a record-breaking $1 billion on poker machines in the past financial year. The figure marks the highest gambling losses ever recorded in the state. Experts warn that financial struggles may push more people toward risky betting despite the well-documented harm.
Gaming machine revenue in 2024-25 climbed by $53 million compared to the previous year. The state government collected over $453 million from pokies, while venues took in nearly $555 million. Nationwide, annual pokies losses now exceed $32 billion, causing widespread financial and social damage.
Regional areas suffered some of the heaviest losses. In the southeast alone, poker machines drained $42 million from local communities. Mount Gambier and Grant council areas lost $24 million, while Whyalla recorded $20.7 million in losses. Pubs, clubs, and sporting venues in these regions continue to expose residents to gambling risks. Despite South Australia having some of the country's strictest pokies regulations—including facial recognition and automated risk monitoring—gambling harm persists. The Australian Greens have called for a total ban on poker machines by 2030, pointing to links between gambling and family violence, as well as crime. Meanwhile, the Australian Hotels Association argues that pokies revenue helps struggling venues stay open, especially during cost of living crises. Pokies remain the most popular form of gambling, even as online betting grows. The social costs of problem gambling are estimated to be nearly three times the amount wagered.
The latest figures show gambling losses continue to rise across South Australia. With regional communities hit hardest, the debate over pokies regulation and their economic impact remains unresolved. The state government, venues, and advocacy groups all face pressure to address the growing financial and social toll.
