GAMSTOP Self‑Exclusion Soars to Record Levels

Youth Uptake Skyrockets

• Registrations among 16–24 year-olds surged 44% year-on-year in the first half of 2025
• Around 39% of these younger users chose the minimum six-month exclusion—up from 33% historically—compared to 27% of 25–34-year-olds opting for the same
• This shift suggests that many young people view GAMSTOP less as a permanent cutoff and more as a “cooling-off” or preventative measure.

Overall Usage Trends

• Since launching in April 2018, nearly 600,000 individuals have registered
• The five-year exclusion option remains the most popular overall, accounting for roughly 47% of 2025 registrations and 53% historically
• The June 2025 annual report also notes the rising popularity of an auto-renewal feature for the five‑year exclusion, introduced in December 2024

Leadership Shift: Chris Pond to Become Chair

• Chris Pond has been announced as the new Chair, taking over from Jenny Watson CBE in September 2025
• Pond brings extensive expertise in financial services and consumer advocacy:
  • Currently chairs the FCA Consumer Panel and Money & Mental Health Advisory Board.
  • Former MP and Work & Pensions Minister.
  • Previously involved as trustee for GambleAware

What This Means

• Broader societal shift: More people—especially younger users—are turning to self‑exclusion not only in crisis but as a proactive measure
• Growing responsibility for GAMSTOP: With rising registrations comes a need to strengthen infrastructure, research, financial tech integration, and inter-service communication
• Future outlook: If current trends continue, GAMSTOP may surpass 700,000 total registrants by mid‑2026

In Summary

• GAMSTOP is seeing record-breaking self-exclusion figures, with over 54,000 new users in the first half of 2025.
• A notable 44% surge among 16–24-year-olds highlights a cultural shift toward temporary “pauses” rather than permanent exits.
• Leadership is evolving with seasoned expert Chris Pond set to take the helm in September.
• The data signals a significant change in gambling attitudes, reflecting increased self-awareness, prevention, and responsible gambling behavior.