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In light of these growing concerns around responsible gambling, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, Gamstop, has become an essential tool for players looking to manage their gambling habits. Since its launch in April 2018, more than 500,000 people have registered with the service, marking a significant milestone in the fight against problem gambling.
A Significant Milestone in Registrations
As of September 2024, over 440,000 individuals remain excluded from online gambling through Gamstop. While some users have returned to gambling after their self-exclusion period, the platform continues to provide critical support to those who need it most. The service allows players to self-exclude from all Gambling Commission-licensed websites for periods ranging from six months to five years.
Gamstop’s milestone achievement follows a record-breaking month in April 2024, when 8,686 new players registered—the highest monthly total since the platform’s inception. 2023 was also a remarkable year for Gamstop, with over 92,000 users signing up to the service.
Empowering Vulnerable Consumers
Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer highlighted the platform’s journey in helping individuals regain control over their gambling habits. Palmer acknowledged how far the platform has come since being launched in April 2018 and how Gamstop has become widely recognised as an important tool to help vulnerable consumers take a break from gambling. She also described how proud the organisation was to have helped hundreds of thousands of people regain control of their lives and how they hope to support many more in the future.
It is evident that Gamstop provides a lifeline for individuals who are struggling to manage their gambling behaviour. The platform’s ability to offer long-term self-exclusion empowers players to make informed and responsible decisions regarding their gambling activities.
Growing Online Gambling Activity
Despite Gamstop’s success, online gambling activity in the UK continues to rise. Data from the UK Gambling Commission reveals a surge in online gambling during the first half of 2024, with both Q1 and Q2 reporting record-high gross gambling yields (GGY).
Between May and July 2024, real event betting saw a 10.9% increase in active players, with 19.4 million individuals participating. Similarly, online slot games experienced a 10.8% rise, with 13.3 million players engaging in the activity. These figures underscore the importance of platforms like Gamstop in providing resources to those at risk of developing gambling-related issues.
Increasing Support Among Younger Players
One of the most concerning trends reported by Gamstop is the increasing number of younger individuals seeking help. Data from the platform’s H1 2024 report revealed that half of all new registrants were aged between 16 and 35. Additionally, there was a 12% year-on-year rise in the number of 16-24 year-olds opting for self-exclusion.
Research conducted by the UK Gambling Commission aligns with these findings, indicating that 2.5% of respondents suffer from problem gambling. Younger individuals, especially men, are disproportionately affected by gambling-related harm, which highlights the critical role Gamstop plays in protecting this vulnerable group.
Positive Feedback and User Experience
Gamstop has received significant praise from its users for delivering positive outcomes. A recent independent evaluation by Ipsos surveyed 4,650 Gamstop users, revealing that 78% of participants felt the service provided the desired results. Additionally, 75% of users reported feeling more in control of their gambling habits after using the platform. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of Gamstop in helping individuals manage their gambling and take back control of their lives.
Promoting Awareness Through Football
To further raise awareness of the self-exclusion platform, football clubs across England have been commandeered to highlight Gamstop’s benefits on National Self-Exclusion Day on 12 September. During the weekend of 7-8 September, self-exclusion messages will be displayed at stadiums, while partner clubs will share digital assets promoting Gamstop on their social media platforms. This initiative aims to encourage more individuals to take control of their gambling habits and use the tools available through Gamstop.
In short, the fact that over 500,000 individuals have registered with Gamstop since its launch reflects the growing need for self-exclusion services in the UK. As online gambling continues to rise, particularly among younger demographics, Gamstopremains a crucial resource for those seeking help. Through continued outreach efforts and partnerships with organisationssuch as prominent football clubs, Gamstop hopes to expand its impact and support even more individuals in regaining control over their gambling activities.
