GAMSTOP breaks 200,000 users as more than half opt for five-year exclusion

More than 200,000 people are now registered with UK self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. In February, registrations increased by 21% annually, while 326 registrations were recorded on 22 February, the highest daily figure since the scheme went live in April 2018. More than 7,000 people registered with the scheme in January 2021, up 14% year-on-year from the same period in 2020. In January, 49,328 self-excluded individuals out of a possible 177,038 attempted to gamble and were successfully blocked by GAMSTOP. Participation in the scheme became a mandatory licensing condition for UK operators on 31 March 2020. More than 96% of individuals excluding for the minimum six-month period have chosen to leave the exclusion in place despite being eligible to remove it, with only 15,400 individuals choosing to do so. Membership of the scheme is currently split 71% male and 29% female, with females now accounting for more than 50,000 registrations. The largest GAMSTOP age group is 18–34, accounting for 59% of all users. Registration with GAMSTOP is free and individuals are able to select exclusion periods of six months, one year or five years. More than 120,000 participants have chosen to put a five-year exclusion in place, the longest term possible. “We’re pleased that GAMSTOP is serving as an effective safety net, providing crucial breathing space to those who are struggling with their gambling,” GAMSTOP CEO Fiona Palmer said. “With the rate of registrants continuing to rise, I would urge anybody putting self-exclusion from online gambling in place through GAMSTOP to also seek treatment. “Awareness around self-exclusion schemes and blocking software has been increasing throughout the last year and it is important that we continue to spread the message about what help is available to those who need it most,” Palmer added.