Gamstop reports 1% of UK adults self-excluded

Gamstop, the UK’s national online self-exclusion scheme for gambling, has published its annual report, revealing that over 560,000 people—equivalent to approximately 1% of the UK’s adult population—have registered with its service since its launch in 2018. This milestone significantly surpasses initial projections and underscores the growing demand for effective tools to combat gambling-related harm.

The 2024 report reflects a maturing organisation at the forefront of technological and policy initiatives in the responsible gambling sector. Outgoing Chair Jenny Watson CBE, who has led Gamstop since its inception, provided a personal reflection on the charity’s progress and impact during her tenure. She is scheduled to step down in the second half of 2025.

Surpassing expectations: Over half a million people self-excluded

According to the report, Gamstop’s reach has grown far beyond early estimates. The fact that 560,000 individuals have now opted to self-exclude from online gambling platforms demonstrates both the persistent nature of gambling-related harm and the public’s increasing willingness to seek support.

Initially conceived as a safety net for problem gamblers, the self-exclusion system has become a cornerstone of the UK’s gambling harm reduction infrastructure. Individuals who register are blocked from using gambling websites and mobile applications licensed in Great Britain for a chosen duration of six months, one year, or five years.

Jenny Watson commented on the findings:
“I am confident the organisation is well-positioned to achieve the important objective of making gambling safer for everyone. We are firmly established as a world-leading technology provider in the gambling harm support sector.”

Leadership transition and future goals

As Gamstop prepares for new leadership, the organisation appears more committed than ever to enhancing its services. Watson’s departure marks the end of a critical chapter, one that saw the platform grow from a fledgling project to a globally recognised leader in gambling harm prevention.

Fiona Palmer, Gamstop’s CEO, reinforced this message:
“We have made a commitment to them to do this going forward. Our priority remains delivering a clear, technically robust exclusion solution to those who need it most.”

Palmer also acknowledged the urgency in expanding Gamstop’s technological capabilities and user outreach in order to address rising demand. With a shifting demographic and evolving online gambling environment, the need for targeted support has never been greater.

New policy: Automatic five-year renewals

One of the most notable announcements from the report is the decision to introduce an automatic five-year renewal policy for self-exclusion. This move reflects the organisation’s recognition that gambling harm can have long-term effects, and that sustained access to protective mechanisms is essential.

This policy change is designed to reduce the risk of users unintentionally returning to gambling platforms after their initial exclusion period ends. The renewal option offers an added layer of security, helping former gamblers maintain control over their recovery journeys.

Insights from independent research

Gamstop commissioned an independent study conducted by Ipsos in 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of its services. The findings were encouraging: 75% of respondents who registered with Gamstop reported they no longer gambled online. This high success rate supports the argument that self-exclusion, when implemented properly, can be an effective intervention tool.

The research also emphasized user satisfaction, with a majority of participants noting that Gamstop’s process was straightforward and the support resources were helpful. These insights will be instrumental as the organisation refines its approach and explores new methods of engagement.

Surge in registrations among young adults

Gamstop’s February 2025 supplementary report drew attention to a striking development: a notable increase in self-exclusion registrations among individuals under the age of 25. This trend suggests that younger demographics are becoming more aware of the risks associated with gambling and are proactively seeking solutions.

Notably, the highest percentage of these younger registrants came from the North-East of England, pointing to potential regional disparities in gambling behaviour and access to support. This has prompted Gamstop to consider targeted outreach and awareness campaigns to better serve vulnerable populations in specific areas.

A critical tool in a growing ecosystem of support

Gamstop is one component of a larger ecosystem of gambling harm reduction tools and initiatives, including financial transaction blocks from banks, support from charities such as GamCare, and counselling services.

However, Gamstop’s unique position as a national self-exclusion scheme, covering all UK-licensed online gambling operators, gives it an unparalleled reach. The organisation collaborates closely with regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission to ensure continuous alignment with national policy and legal standards.

Public perception and challenges ahead

While Gamstop has been widely praised, the self-exclusion model is not without its challenges. Critics argue that some users may attempt to bypass exclusions by gambling with unlicensed or offshore operators. To counteract this, Gamstop and its partners are working to enhance monitoring and detection mechanisms and to educate users about the risks of unregulated gambling.

Another pressing issue is the need to integrate Gamstop more seamlessly with mental health and addiction services. Although the platform provides a critical first step, sustainable recovery often requires comprehensive, multi-faceted support.

Looking ahead: A vision for safer gambling

As it looks to the future, Gamstop aims to continue developing its platform to meet the complex needs of a diverse user base. Upcoming initiatives may include multilingual support, greater integration with mobile banking features, and predictive analytics to identify at-risk individuals before they reach a crisis point.

The organisation is also investing in awareness campaigns targeted at high-risk communities, including students, low-income households, and those with existing mental health conditions.

Conclusion

In a digital age where gambling is just a click away, Gamstop stands out as a vital line of defence against addiction and financial ruin. Its expanding user base is not only a sign of success, but also a stark reminder of the persistent and growing challenge that problem gambling poses in the UK.

With continued investment, public trust, and strong leadership, Gamstop is poised to remain a cornerstone of the country’s harm reduction strategy—protecting individuals, families, and communities from the long-term consequences of gambling addiction.

FAQs

What is Gamstop?
Gamstop is a free UK-wide self-exclusion scheme that allows individuals to block themselves from accessing gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain.

How does Gamstop work?
When someone registers with Gamstop, they are prevented from using gambling websites and apps for a selected period—six months, one year, or five years.

Who can use Gamstop?
Any individual in the UK who wants to reduce or stop their online gambling habits can register with Gamstop, regardless of age, background, or severity of gambling behaviour.

Is Gamstop effective?
According to a 2024 Ipsos study, 75% of people who registered with Gamstop no longer gamble online, indicating strong effectiveness in helping users control gambling behaviour.

Can I cancel my self-exclusion early?
No, once you’ve registered and chosen a duration, you cannot reverse the exclusion until the period ends. This is to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the scheme.

What happens when my exclusion period ends?
You will remain blocked from gambling until you actively request to be removed from the scheme. Gamstop has introduced a five-year automatic renewal to enhance protection.

Is Gamstop linked to other support services?
While Gamstop itself is not a counselling service, it often refers users to support organisations like GamCare for additional help.

Can young people register with Gamstop?
Yes, individuals aged 18 and over can register. Recently, there has been a rise in registrations among those under 25, especially in the North-East of England.

Are there gambling sites not covered by Gamstop?
Gamstop only covers UK-licensed operators. Unlicensed or offshore sites are not part of the scheme, which is why users are advised to avoid such platforms.

How can I register for Gamstop?
Registration is done online via the official Gamstop website. It requires personal details and ID verification to ensure secure and effective blocking.