SBC News GAMSTOP warns of a 31% surge in under-25s self-exclusion

GAMSTOP warns of a 31% surge in under-25s self-exclusion

SBC News GAMSTOP warns of a 31% surge in under-25s self-exclusion
Fiona Palmer: GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP has alerted its partners of a “surge in self-exclusion of under-25s”, identifying this demographic as carrying the most significant risk of developing problem gambling harms.

The steward of the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, GAMSTOP, has reported a 31% year-on-year increase in under-25s registering with the service during the second half of 2024.

Of concern, GAMSTOP notes that “consumers aged 16-24 now account for nearly one in four (24%) of new GAMSTOP registrants”, signaling a shift towards younger individuals seeking self-exclusion.

During the second half of 2024, GAMSTOP recorded a 14% increase in self-exclusion registrations, attributed to major summer sporting events such as the UEFA Euro Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In total, 532,484 people have registered with GAMSTOP since its launch in April 2018, representing over 1% of the UK’s adult population.

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% year-on-year increase in the second half of 2024, following a 12% increase in the first half of the year.”

UK Breakdown and Trends

For the first time, GAMSTOP has provided a breakdown of regional registrations, in which it identifys the Hull (HU)  postcode as the highest percentage of self-exclusion registrations (1.5% of the local population), followed by Teesside (TS) and Sunderland (SR) at 1.4%. Doncaster and Blackpool also ranked among the top five areas for self-exclusions.

Additionally, 48% of new registrants in the second half of 2024 opted for the maximum five-year self-exclusion period, indicating a growing preference for long-term self-exclusion.

GAMSTOP introduces ‘5-Year Auto-Renewal’

In response to user feedback, GAMSTOP has introduced a new ‘5-year auto-renewal’ self-exclusion option, designed for vulnerable consumers seeking extended protection from online gambling platforms. This feature aims to enhance consumer safeguards and prevent relapses into gambling-related harm.

As the rise in self-exclusion among young consumers continues, GAMSTOP urges gambling operators, regulators, and policymakers to remain vigilant, ensuring adequate protections are in place for at-risk demographics.

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