Over 1% of UK population now registered with Gamstop
New registrations at Gamstop surged to an unprecedented 99,186 in 2024, marking a banner year for the self-exclusion initiative.
Gamstop’s annual report reveals a significant milestone for 2024, with over 1% of the UK population now enrolled in the self-exclusion scheme aimed at mitigating online gambling risks. The report comes amid the announcement of Jenny Watson’s upcoming departure as chair of the organization.
Since its inception in 2018, Gamstop has garnered a total of 532,484 registrations, empowering individuals to exclude themselves from online gambling with licensed operators.
As of year-end 2024, Gamstop successfully excluded 466,726 individuals, with the latest surge in registrations indicating a record-breaking year. Monthly registrations peaked at 8,685, the highest since the scheme’s launch.
Data from Gamstop shows that a significant 45% of participants choose the maximum five-year exclusion period, 24% opt for a one-year exclusion, and 31% prefer a six-month duration. Notably, individuals aged 25 to 34 represent the largest demographic, accounting for 36% of total sign-ups.
Geographically, the highest registration rates are concentrated in northern England, with the HU postcode in Hull leading at 1.36%, followed closely by Teesside (TS) at 1.28%, and Sunderland (SR) at 1.22%. Doncaster (DN) and Blackpool (FY) complete the top five areas with the most registrations.
“The year 2024 has been pivotal for consolidation and strategic planning as we endeavor to redefine gambling harm prevention and treatment in the UK,” stated Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer.
Impact of Gamstop: A Behavioral Shift
The annual report provided compelling insights into how the service has transformed user behavior. A striking 75% of participants reported ceasing online gambling after utilizing Gamstop. Nearly half of the respondents indicated they no longer engage in any form of gambling, with 75% asserting they now exercise greater control over their gambling choices.
The primary motivation for enrolling in Gamstop was overwhelmingly clear: 91% cited a desire to halt online gambling, with 3% registering on behalf of someone else using their personal information.
Financial concerns drove 85% of participants to seek assistance from Gamstop, while mental health issues affected 80%, and relationship difficulties impacted 60%. Furthermore, 58% reported physical health concerns as a significant factor in their decision to register.
Additional data showed that 8% of Gamstop registrants had at some point used illegal gambling sites, with the 25-34 age group being the most likely demographic for this behavior.
Moreover, the report highlighted the success of its Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme for Betting Shops, which recorded 5,890 new sign-ups in 2025, culminating in a total of 9,531 participants. Currently, approximately 6,000 betting shops across the UK collaborate with this scheme.
Leadership Transition: Jenny Watson’s Departure
The report also noted Jenny Watson’s forthcoming exit as Gamstop chair, having occupied the position since the organization’s launch in 2018.
Reflecting on her tenure, Watson remarked on Gamstop’s impressive transformation over the past seven years. She emphasized the accelerating growth rate of registrations, reflecting an increasing need for support amongst those grappling with gambling issues.
“We have made remarkable strides in our mission to protect individuals from the perils of gambling addiction, positively impacting countless lives,” Watson observed. “Our success transcends mere numbers; it embodies the transformative stories of recovery that drive us forward.”
“On behalf of the board, I reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the safety of gambling for all. I am confident that Gamstop is well-prepared to fulfill this critical mission as I step down.”
