GAMSTOP, the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme, has released its latest annual report, revealing a significant milestone: over 1% of the UK’s adult population has now voluntarily self-excluded from online gambling platforms. As of early 2025, more than 425,000 individuals have registered with GAMSTOP — a clear indicator of growing public engagement with responsible gambling initiatives.
Record Registrations Reflect Shifting Attitudes
The 2024 calendar year witnessed a 9% year-on-year increase in new registrations, with more than 87,000 people enrolling in the scheme. Interestingly, the most common demographic continues to be males aged 25-34, although registrations among older age groups and women have steadily risen, reflecting a broadening awareness of gambling-related harms.
The report emphasizes that peak registration periods often align with major sporting events such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, and the FIFA World Cup, suggesting that betting spikes during such occasions prompt users to seek protective measures.
Impact and Effectiveness of GAMSTOP
Since its launch in 2018, GAMSTOP has become a cornerstone of the UK’s national strategy to reduce gambling harm. Participants can opt for self-exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, during which all licensed online gambling operators are legally required to block their accounts.
According to GAMSTOP’s research, over 80% of users found the tool effective in helping them manage gambling habits, with a significant majority choosing to extend their exclusion periods beyond the initial timeframe.
A Model for Other Markets?
Effective consumer protection frameworks like GAMSTOP are increasingly vital as online gambling expands globally. With the UK government continuing to refine its gambling regulations through its 2023 White Paper reforms, GAMSTOP’s success could serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to implement national-level self-exclusion schemes. Effective consumer protection frameworks like GAMSTOP are increasingly vital as online gambling expands globally.
