Gamstop Surpasses 500,000 Self-Exclusion Registrations

Gamstop, the UK’s national gambling self-exclusion scheme, has crossed a major milestone—registering over half a million users since its launch. This achievement signals both progress and challenge in the nation’s ongoing fight against gambling harm.

In 2024 alone, Gamstop recorded 99,186 new registrations—the highest annual sign-up figure since its 2018 launch. By the end of the year, total registrations had surged to 532,484, equating to roughly 0.78% of the UK’s population. Notably, 466,726 of these users remained actively excluded, reflecting the programme’s enduring impact.

The data reveals that 45% of registrants selected the longest exclusion period of five years, while 24% chose one year and 31% opted for six months. Age-wise, the 25–34 group leads in participation, accounting for 36% of total sign-ups. This demographic also shows the highest tendency to access illegal gambling platforms, highlighting a crucial area for regulatory focus.

Geographically, Hull’s HU postcode tops the list for self-exclusion rates at 1.36%, followed by Teesside and Sunderland—indicating regional clusters where gambling harms may be particularly acute.

The numbers reveal the depth of demand for tools like Gamstop, but they also signal the broader challenge of addressing gambling-related harm. Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, emphasized the organization’s forward-looking approach:

“We’ve been focused on consolidation, strategic planning, and preparing for a new era in gambling harm prevention and treatment in the UK.”

As Gamstop’s reach grows, so does its importance in shaping the UK’s responsible gambling landscape. The Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme for Betting Shops has also seen growth, with 5,890 new registrations in 2024, bringing its total to 9,531 across roughly 6,000 betting shops.

Operators, policymakers, and treatment providers must harness this momentum to enhance harm prevention strategies, improve support systems, and close gaps that allow at-risk individuals to bypass protections through illegal platforms.

Gamstop Surpasses Half a Million UK Registrations, Marking Record Year for Gambling Self-Exclusion

Key Points

• Record Growth: Gamstop saw a record 99,186 new UK registrations in 2024, reaching 532,484 total sign-ups.
• Long-Term Commitment: 45% of users opted for the five-year exclusion, showing a deep desire for long-term control.
• Regional & Demographic Insights: Hull leads in exclusion rates; the 25–34 age group shows the highest risk patterns.

The Expanding Role of Gamstop in the UK’s Gambling Harm Landscape

Since launching in 2018, Gamstop has become the cornerstone of the UK’s responsible gambling framework. Designed to allow consumers to voluntarily block themselves from all licensed online gambling platforms, the scheme has evolved into a critical safety net for those seeking to regain control over their gambling habits.

In 2024, the programme achieved its most significant milestone yet: surpassing half a million total registrants. This growth underscores both the rising awareness of gambling-related harm and the need for robust, accessible self-exclusion tools.

Among users, nearly half opt for the maximum five-year exclusion, demonstrating a serious commitment to behavioral change. Yet, troublingly, 8% of Gamstop users have accessed illegal gambling websites, underscoring a persistent challenge for regulators and enforcement agencies. The risk is particularly acute among 25–34-year-olds, the demographic most represented in Gamstop’s user base.

Fiona Palmer has steered the organization through this transformative phase, focusing on preparing Gamstop for a “new era” in gambling harm prevention. She noted that the stories of recovery and personal transformation stand as a testament to Gamstop’s mission.

However, the departure of chair Jenny Watson, who helped shape Gamstop’s strategic direction, marks a leadership transition that comes at a pivotal time. As the UK undergoes regulatory reforms and tighter controls on gambling advertising and access, Gamstop’s role will only grow in importance.

Additionally, the rise of the Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) for physical betting shops demonstrates a complementary effort to extend protective measures into land-based gambling environments.

Gamstop’s record-breaking year is a double-edged milestone: it showcases the success and necessity of self-exclusion schemes but also highlights the persistent risks and gaps within the gambling ecosystem. As the UK advances its responsible gambling policies, Gamstop will play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable players and shaping a safer, more accountable gambling market for the future.