New registrations at Gamstop reached 99,186 in 2024 in what was a record year for the self-exclusion scheme.
Gamstop reported a record year for new registrations during 2024, with more than 1% of the UK population having signed up with the self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, while the organisation also confirmed Jenny Watson will depart as its chair.
By the end of 2024, Gamstop had drawn a total of 532,484 registrations since launching in 2018, its annual report said. Those that sign up agree to exclude themselves from gambling online with licensed operators.
The amount of people excluded at the year end was 466,726, following 99,186 new sign-ups during the past year. Gamstop noted 2024 was a record year for registrations, with volumes reaching the highest monthly figure – 8,685 – since its launch.
Most consumers select the maximum five-year exclusion period, with 45% opting for this. Meanwhile, 24% chose to exclude for one year and 31% six months. People aged between 25 and 34 are the most likely to use the service, with this age group accounting for 36% of sign-ups.
As for location, the HU postcode in Hull has the highest registration rate at 1.36%. Teesside (TS) ranked second on 1.28%, then Sunderland (SR) on 1.22%. Two more northern towns in Doncaster (DN) and Blackpool (FY) complete the top five postcodes.
“2024 has been a year focused on consolidation, review and long-term strategic planning as we navigate a new era of gambling harm prevention and treatment in the UK,” Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer said.
Three-quarters no longer gamble after using Gamstop
The annual report also included feedback from users as to how the service had impacted them and their behaviour. Stand-out figures include 75% of people no longer gambling online after a period of self-exclusion with Gamstop. Almost half no longer gamble at all, while 75% feel they have more control over their gambling choices.
As to why people are registering with Gamstop, 91% said it was to stop gambling online. A further 3% said they used the personal details of someone they knew to exclude on their behalf.
Some 85% of registrants listed concerns over their financial situation as the primary reason for using Gamstop. Mental health was also a concern at 80%, while relationships with family and friends was an issue for 60% of people. A further 58% listed their physical health as a concern before using Gamstop.
Other findings include 8% of those signed up with Gamstop had used illegal gambling sites at some point. Users aged 25-34 were most likely to have accessed these websites.
In addition, Gamstop referenced the progress of its Multi-Operator Self Exclusion Scheme for Betting Shops. Some 5,890 new registrations were reported in 2025, taking the total number of sign-ups to 9,531. Approximately 6,000 shops across the UK are now working with the scheme.
Watson exits as Gamstop chair
Gamstop also used the report to confirm the departure of Jenny Watson as its chair. She will soon step down having served in the role since 2018.
Speaking about her time as chair, Watson said Gamstop has been on a “remarkable” journey over the past seven years. She added that the current growth rate of new registrations shows no signs of slowing down as more people seek support for their gambling behaviour.
“We have made significant progress in our mission to safeguard people from the harms of gambling addiction, with a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of lives,” Watson said. “Our success is measured not only by the numbers but by the stories which lie behind these: stories of transformation and recovery.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to making gambling safer for everyone. I am confident that I leave the organisation well-positioned to achieve this important objective.”
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