Our past campaigns
Over the years, we’ve funded campaigns to help NSW residents become more gamble aware and help them seek support if they have issues with gambling.
How many do you remember?
Check in with the Checkmates
Check in with the Checkmates was an interactive digital platform launched in for the “check in” theme of GambleAware Week 2019. Four characters – Buck, Skip, Betty and Moby – showed how to recognise and understand risky gambling behaviour, and shared information on practical ways to keep gambling under control and seek help if needed. They even let you test your ability to beat the odds with a game of Bet and Bust.
In the spirit of 2020, the Checkmates responded to COVID-19. With fewer face-to-face meetings and more online interactions, they showed how important it was to go behind the screen and see how mates were really doing. They even hosted an online event. Checkmate Trivia was designed to build engagement and participation without physical events.
Check in with the Checkmates and see how the odds really stack up.
You’re Stronger Than You Think
The aim of “You’re Stronger Than You Think” was to help men between 30 and 54 overcome barriers of shame and stigma to address their gambling issues and seek professional help. The campaign ran on TV and radio, online and in venues in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
It had a great response. 26% of the target said the campaign made them seriously think about seeking help, and 22% did seek help for their gambling.
Talkward
“Talkward” was a social media campaign in 2016 that encouraged people with gambling-related issues – and their family and friends – to face up, support each other, and share knowledge about free, confidential support and resources available in NSW.
It gave people tools to create e-cards and email friends and family, starting a conversation about their own gambling, or raising a concern about someone close to them.
Strength in Numbers
In 2016, we produced a series of inspirational videos called “Strength in Numbers”, which told the stories of people who have been affected by gambling.
Here’s one of them.
What’s Gambling Really Costing You
An oldie but a goodie. The multicultural campaign “What’s Gambling Really Costing You?” won recognition at the National Multicultural Marketing Awards in 2012 with Best Government Project Award. It was produced in 6 languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian and Arabic.
Gambling Hangover
“Gambling Hangover” ran for 2 years from 2008, targeting men from 18 to 25 who suffered morning-after remorse after gambling. The 3 main symptoms? A sick feeling, anxiety and regrets, and not liking yourself.
Ads were in train stations, on buses, on morning radio and in morning newspapers. Men were urged to visit the website, text to find out more, or call the helpline if they recognised the symptoms.
Responses to the helpline and in follow-up research showed the term “gambling hangover” had moved into common use, and campaign recall was 50%.
