GAMSTOP sees a surge in young people choosing self-exclusion
GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme, has seen a huge rise in registrations from under 25’s. In the second half of 2024 alone, this age group saw a 31 percent year-on-year increase. GAMSTOP’s recent figures show that nearly one in four (24 percent) new registrants fall between the 16 and 24 age range. This growing trend highlights a shift in the way younger consumers use GAMSTOP’s service to manage their gambling habits.
The numbers don’t lie
Since its launch in April 2108, GAMSTOP has registered 532,484 people, making up about 0.92 percent of the current UK adult population. This service is vital for anyone needing a break from gambling. The growing uptake from younger people shows the increasing recognition of the risks posed by gambling.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, commented:
“The increase in the number of under-25s registering for GAMSTOP has become an accelerating trend, with a 31 percent year-on-year increase in the second half of 2024, following a 12 percent increase in the first half of the year.”
Why are young people signing up?
The rise in registrations is partly due to the summer of 2024. This period saw major events worldwide, like the UEFA Euro Championships and the Paris Olympics. These huge events tend to drive gambling activity, and GAMSTOP has seen a corresponding surge in self-exclusions during this period. Many younger gamblers are now choosing to step back from gambling by using the service during high-profile events.
The numbers reflect a deeper societal shift towards increased awareness of gambling-related harm among young adults. More people in this demographic are increasingly aware of tools that can help prevent addiction, such as self-exclusion. In the UK, operators have largely made responsible gambling tools visible and proactively offer customers the chance to review these rather than leave them hidden somewhere on a page where no one can find them.
Recent research conducted by Bournemouth University shed light on the risks of gambling for young people. The study, commissioned by GambleAware, involved over 40,000 participants from the Great Britain Treatment and Support Survey. It focused on the effects of different gaming environments.
High self-exclusion rates in specific regions
GAMSTOP has provided a regional breakdown of self-exclusion registrations for the first time. This new data aims to help local authorities target their services more effectively. According to the data, Hull (HU) has the highest percentage of registrations, with 1.5 percent of the local population opting for self-exclusion. Teesside (TS) and Sunderland (SR) are also among the top areas, with 1.4 percent of residents self-excluding.
With this increased regional focus, GAMSTOP highlights where support is most needed. Palmer said,
“Our detailed regional data has highlighted the postcodes where self-exclusion has been most widely adopted, and we hope this will help local authorities and other bodies to target appropriate support in the areas where the need is greatest.”
The 5-year exclusion trend
One notable trend in the data is that 48 percent of new GAMSTOP registrants in the second half of 2024 chose the maximum five-year exclusion period. This shows that many people now seek longer-term solutions over a quick fix.
In response to user feedback, GAMSTOP introduced a ‘5 years with auto-renewal’ feature. This feature automatically extends the self-exclusion period and allows people to maintain their exclusion with no need to renew it manually. GAMSTOP has designed this new feature to improve safeguards for vulnerable consumers. Palmer explained,
“The new 5-year auto-renewal option was developed in direct response to user feedback.”
Focusing on education and support
With the increase in registrations, particularly among younger users, GAMSTOP continues its focus on education and support. The service works closely with organisations like Ygam (Young Gamblers Education Trust) and GamCare. This scheme reaches out to students and raises awareness of self-exclusion tools. As Palmer stated,
“There is a clear need for targeted education and support aimed at this group, which is why we continue to put so much emphasis on collaborating with Ygam and Gamcare reaching out to students.”
GAMSTOP also focuses on awareness of all tools that are available to help young people manage their gambling habits. This is a good thing to do before they spiral into harmful behaviours. When you look at campaigns such as “When the Fun Stops, Stop” and “Take Time to Think,” although well-intentioned, these become so familiar and often suffer from habituation. So, the more we see the same thing, the more they fade into the background and go unnoticed.
Technology like artificial intelligence (AI) is the way forward to help people help themselves as regulation squeezes operators to adopt more effective, safer gambling practices.
Raising awareness of self-exclusion
In 2025, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will implement several measures to bolster self-exclusion to add to the ones implemented in 2024. There will be an increased focus on safer and responsible gambling in 2025. Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the UK Gambling Commission, recently gave a speech during the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) webinar. The UKGC is under the spotlight to improve player protection measures.
Here are the key recent UK regulatory changes:
- Introduced in August 2024, remote gambling operators are required to conduct financial vulnerability checks. For customers who deposit ?500 or more over a rolling day period, this measure aims to identify and support those at risk of financial harm because of gambling.
- Also effective from August 2024, age verification enhancements are required for those who hold land-based gambling licences. This amendment mandates operators to perform age verification checks on customers who appear to be under 25 years old, up from the previous threshold of under 21.
- Effective January 2025, new rules have been introduced to modify online game designs. These include a minimum spin time of five seconds for non-slot games. It also bans auto-play features and restricts simultaneous play across multiple games. This aims to promote more mindful play.
- From May 1, 2025, gambling businesses must provide customers with options to opt in to receive direct marketing. This will be based on specific product types and preferred marketing or communication channels.
Currently, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched a aimed at making gambling in Britain safer and fairer, as recommended by the White Paper of the Gambling Act Review. The consultation, which runs from January 29 2025 to May 20 2025, seeks feedback on gaming machines’ technical standards and testing provisions.
Operator commitments
UK gambling operators are collaborating with regulators. Many have improved their self-exclusion tools and responsible gambling practices. Deposit limits and reality checks are tools to promote a safer gambling environment.
Despite these advancements and regulatory changes, challenges remain. A significant problem is illegal gambling. The number of illegal operators is increasing despite measures taken by authorities.
There is positive news with GAMSTOP’S increasing number of registrants showing that more people, particularly young adults, now recognise the need to take control over their gambling. With a growing user base, to consumers across the UK.
As more people register for self-exclusion, there is hope that future generations will be better equipped to manage their gambling habits and gamble responsibly. Gambling can be fun, but the potential harm caused by addiction affects the wider society and puts stress on local services and resources.
Continued collaboration among stakeholders is paramount. Raising awareness and providing ways to prevent addiction, loss-chasing, or unhealthy gambling practices creates a safer gambling environment for all.
