GAMSTOP announces record self-exclusion figures in 2022
Scheme reveals 84,000 people registered with platform last year alone as more than a third of new exclusions were women
A record 84,000 people signed up to UK self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP in 2022, the highest annual figure since the service launched in April 2018.
The 2022 figure represents a 6% increase on those who self-excluded in 2021, with a total of 341,365 people having chosen to ban themselves from online gambling sites via GamStop since its launch.
Over the last six months, 24% of users have chosen to self-exclude for at least a year, with 48% electing to register for a five-year exclusion.
Breaking down the data into age groups and gender, around 40% of those who barred themselves in 2022 were aged 25 to 34.
Around one in four were aged 35 to 44, with around one in five aged 18 to 24.
Around 70% of those self-excluding were male, but there was an uptick in the number of women using the scheme.
In August, 34% of new exclusions were made by women, the highest percentage out of any month.
Fiona Palmer, GAMSTOP CEO, said: “Whilst we are unable to single out one factor that has contributed to the rise in registrations at GAMSTOP, it is likely that the current economic climate and affordability of living costs has influenced the decisions people are making about their lifestyles and expenditure.
“In 2022 we saw more than 80,000 new registrations which is a step towards supporting even more people. However, as we see an increase in the number of those registering with GAMSTOP, it’s important we continue to raise awareness amongst friends and family of those who most need it and that we continue to work with bank blocking and other support services to provide a comprehensive solution,” she added.