Since its launch in April 2018, Gamstop has become a vital resource for individuals seeking to manage their gambling habits. Recently, the national self-exclusion scheme reached a significant milestone: over 500,000 consumers have now registered with the service. This achievement underscores the growing recognition of Gamstop’s role in helping users control their gambling behavior.
Gamstop’s Growing Impact
Gamstop provides a free service allowing users to exclude themselves from all gambling websites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission for up to five years. This tool is crucial for individuals aiming to manage their gambling behavior and safeguard against gambling-related harm.
Since its inception, Gamstop has seen substantial growth in registrations. As of September 2024, more than 500,000 consumers have signed up, reflecting a significant increase in awareness and utilization of the service. Notably, over 440,000 consumers are currently actively excluded, with a substantial number opting for the maximum five-year exclusion period. This demonstrates a strong commitment among users to take control of their gambling habits.
Record-Breaking Registrations
April 2024 marked a particularly notable period for Gamstop, with the service setting a new record for monthly registrations. During this month, Gamstop welcomed 8,686 new registrants, the highest monthly total since the service was launched. This surge in registrations highlights the growing engagement with Gamstop and the effectiveness of recent awareness initiatives.
The increase in new users during April 2024 can be attributed to heightened public awareness and outreach efforts, which have successfully encouraged more individuals to consider self-exclusion as a viable option for managing their gambling behavior.
Self-Exclusion Day: Promoting Awareness
On September 12, 2024, the UK will observe the third annual Self-Exclusion Day. This significant event involves football clubs across all divisions participating in raising awareness about Gamstop and the importance of self-exclusion. The objective of Self-Exclusion Day is to inform individuals about the resources available to them and encourage more people to take proactive steps in managing their gambling.
Football clubs will play a pivotal role in this awareness campaign, utilizing their platforms to reach a broad audience and emphasize the value of Gamstop in supporting gambling management and recovery.
Independent Evaluation by Ipsos
In addition to recent milestones, Gamstop is preparing for the release of an independent evaluation conducted by Ipsos.
The forthcoming Ipsos report is anticipated to offer valuable insights into the impact of Gamstop, highlighting areas where the service has been successful and identifying opportunities for further improvement.
CEO’s Perspective and Future Goals
Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, expressed her views on the recent achievements and the future direction of the service:
“We have come a very long way since our launch in April 2018 and Gamstop is now widely recognised as an important tool to help vulnerable consumers take a break from their gambling. We are proud to have been able to help hundreds of thousands of people to take back control of their lives through self-exclusion and we hope to help many more in the years to come.”
Palmer emphasized the significance of ongoing evaluations through independent research and expressed optimism about continuing to support individuals in managing their gambling behavior effectively.
Gamstop’s milestone of surpassing 500,000 registrations and setting a record for monthly registrations in April 2024 underscores the service’s growing importance and impact. With the upcoming Self-Exclusion Day and the anticipated Ipsos evaluation, Gamstop is well-positioned to continue its mission of helping individuals take control of their gambling habits and protect themselves from gambling-related harm. As Gamstop evolves, it remains a crucial tool for those seeking to manage their gambling behavior and achieve lasting recovery.