Under-25s Lead the Surge in Self-Exclusion Registrations

The rise in problem gambling among young adults is driving more people under 25 to seek self-exclusion tools like Gamstop. The latest data from Gamstop reveals a 31% increase in self-exclusion registrations among 16-24-year-olds in the second half of 2024, reflecting a significant shift in gambling behavior and awareness.

For the first time, under-25s make up nearly one in four (24%) of all new Gamstop registrants, showing a growing reliance on self-exclusion as a gambling harm reduction strategy.

Young Adults Turning to Gamstop in Record Numbers as Gambling Awareness Grows

Key Takeaways from Gamstop’s 2024 Self-Exclusion Report

🔹 31% rise in self-exclusion registrations among 16-24-year-olds.
🔹 Hull, Teesside, and Sunderland report the highest percentage of registrants.
🔹 Nearly half (48%) of users choose the five-year self-exclusion option.

These figures indicate a significant cultural shift towards responsible gambling among young players, with many actively seeking support.

A Regional Breakdown: Where Are Self-Exclusion Rates the Highest?

For the first time, Gamstop has released regional data, identifying areas with the highest proportion of self-exclusion registrants.

✔ Hull leads with 1.5% of the local population registered with Gamstop.
✔ Teesside and Sunderland follow closely, both at 1.4% self-exclusion rates.
✔ Doncaster and Blackpool also rank among the top five regions for self-exclusion rates.

These findings suggest that problem gambling may be more prevalent in certain areas, potentially due to economic factors, accessibility to gambling, and local gaming culture.

Why Are More Young People Turning to Self-Exclusion?

The rise in self-exclusion among young adults could be driven by several key factors:

✔ Greater awareness of problem gambling risks.
✔ Stronger promotion of responsible gambling resources.
✔ Increased accessibility to self-exclusion tools.

Additionally, educational campaigns from Gamstop, Ygam, and GamCare have played a pivotal role in reaching students and young adults. As Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, emphasized:

“We go to where they are to ensure they are aware of tools, such as self-exclusion, which can help to prevent gambling harm.”

This proactive approach ensures that young adults are better informed about the risks of excessive gambling and available support options.

The Future of Self-Exclusion: Gamstop’s New Features

To improve long-term self-exclusion, Gamstop recently introduced a “5 years with auto-renewal” option. This feature allows users to extend their exclusion period automatically, eliminating the risk of manual lapses.

✔ Nearly half (48%) of Gamstop users in 2024 opted for the longest five-year exclusion period.
✔ This trend indicates a commitment to long-term gambling harm reduction.

With over 532,484 total registrants since Gamstop’s launch in 2018, the platform now covers over 1% of the UK’s adult population, solidifying its role as a key responsible gambling tool.

A Positive Shift in Responsible Gambling

The 31% increase in self-exclusion among young adults marks a significant step towards greater gambling awareness in the UK. With educational initiatives expanding and self-exclusion tools improving, more people are taking control of their gambling habits.

Moving forward, continued collaboration between Gamstop, gambling charities, and industry regulators will be essential to reduce gambling harm and support at-risk players.

📢 Stay informed about responsible gambling trends and ensure you have access to the right support tools!