44% rise in under-25 self-exclusions reflects growing concern over gambling harm among youth
Gamstop Sees Unprecedented Growth in 2025 Registrations
The UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, Gamstop, has reported a significant 19% increase in new registrations during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The spike in sign-ups underscores heightened awareness of gambling-related harm, particularly among younger demographics.
This year’s figures continue a broader trend of rising engagement with responsible gambling tools. Notably, monthly registrations exceeded 10,000 for the first time in April 2025, and then again in May—marking back-to-back record months. The single busiest day on record occurred on the Monday after the Grand National, with 437 people self-excluding in a single 24-hour period.
Youth Self-Exclusions Rise Sharply: +44% Among 16–24-Year-Olds
Gamstop’s most eye-opening statistic relates to young adults aged 16 to 24. This group saw a 44% year-on-year increase in self-exclusion, signalling an acute rise in gambling-related struggles among younger consumers. The increase may be influenced by wider access to online gambling platforms and the gamification of betting apps.
Interestingly, 39% of these younger users selected the minimum six-month exclusion, up from 36% in 2024. While the five-year exclusion remains the most popular choice overall (47%), the trend toward shorter exclusion periods indicates changing strategies in how individuals seek help—possibly reflecting a desire for more flexible harm-reduction tools or testing the boundaries of controlled gambling.
This generational data aligns with Gamstop’s 2025 Annual Report, which revealed that 1% of UK adults have now used the platform, a significant milestone for a service that launched just seven years ago.
Leadership Transition: Chris Pond to Succeed Jenny Watson
In addition to the registration surge, Gamstop announced a key leadership change. Chris Pond will assume the role of Chair in September 2025, succeeding Jenny Watson CBE, who has led the organisation since its inception in 2018.
Pond brings a strong background in financial consumer protection, having previously chaired the Financial Services Consumer Panel and worked with the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. His appointment suggests a potential strengthening of Gamstop’s policy influence, particularly as gambling regulation continues to evolve post-White Paper reforms.
Gamstop’s Expanding Role in the UK Gambling Ecosystem
CEO Fiona Palmer noted that the sharp uptick in younger users stems in part from deliberate outreach:
“We have worked very hard to increase awareness of Gamstop amongst younger consumers and to destigmatise the use of self-exclusion.”
Gamstop’s success in reaching a new generation of users is a positive development—but it also reflects broader concerns about the growing accessibility of gambling. In an era where digital betting platforms operate around the clock, self-exclusion services like Gamstop remain vital as a first line of defense for those at risk.
As the UK Gambling Commission continues to refine its regulatory framework, Gamstop’s data will likely serve as a key barometer for public health and policy interventions—particularly as pressure mounts to extend safer gambling mandates across sports betting, esports, and crypto-enabled gaming platforms.
