At the end of 2024, GAMSTOP’s sixth year of operation, over 530,000 UK residents registered to self-exclude from gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain, a figure which equates to over 1% of the adult population.

Young people continue to be a growing demographic, as under-25s accounted for almost a quarter of those registering with the service between July and December 2024, representing a 31% year-on-year increase from the second half of 2023.

Regional analysis has revealed Hull, Teesside, and Sunderland to be the postcode areas with the highest rate of GAMSTOP uptake.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said:

“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. There is a clear need for targeted education and support aimed at this group which is why we continue to put so much emphasis on collaborating with Ygam and GamCare reaching out to students. We go to where they are to ensure they are aware of tools, such as self-exclusion, which can help to prevent gambling harm.

GAMSTOP allows vulnerable consumers to take a break from gambling and we want to raise awareness of the service amongst those who need it most. Our detailed regional data has highlighted the postcodes where self-exclusion has been most widely adopted, and we hope this will help local authorities and other bodies to target appropriate support in the areas where the need is greatest”.