Poker machine revenue across South Australia's Riverland and Mallee region has exceeded $29 million during the latest financial year, according to government figures released on 4 November 2026. The figures show that gambling revenue increased across all six council areas, highlighting the financial scale of poker machine activity in regional communities.

Data from Consumer and Business Services (CBS) revealed that the region had 27 venues operating a combined total of 514 poker machines. These machines generated more than $29 million in revenue during the previous financial year.

The Berri Barmera Council area recorded the highest poker machine revenue in the region for the second consecutive year, reaching approximately $8.8 million. The figures place the area at the centre of the regional discussion about gambling activity and its potential effects on households and communities.

The increase comes amid broader attention on gambling-related harm across South Australia. Statewide poker machine revenue exceeded $1 billion for only the second time, demonstrating the significant amount of money being spent through gaming machines across the state.

Poker machines are commonly found in pubs and clubs throughout Australia. Although these venues provide entertainment and social spaces, excessive gambling can create serious financial and personal difficulties for individuals and their families.

For regional communities, gambling-related harm can have wider effects because financial difficulties may place additional pressure on household budgets, relationships and local support services.

The latest figures have also renewed attention on the support available to people who experience difficulties controlling their gambling.

One important development is the South Australian Government's decision to make its Take A Break self-barring programme permanent. The programme allows people experiencing gambling difficulties to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating gaming venues.

Consumer and Business Services will operate the programme in partnership with the Australian Hotels Association South Australia and Clubs SA.

The initiative is designed to help people take control of their gambling behaviour and reduce exposure to environments where they may be tempted to spend money on poker machines.

Making the programme permanent provides an ongoing support option for people who want to step away from gambling venues. It also creates an opportunity for community organisations and hospitality businesses to improve awareness of available assistance.

The Riverland and Mallee figures demonstrate why gambling regulation and support services remain important issues for regional South Australia.