GAMSTOP has disclosed a dramatic increase in registrations to its free national gambling self-exclusion scheme recorded during 2021. 

Publishing its bi-annual review, GAMSTOP said that it had registered 40,000 people with its self-exclusion service during the first six months of 2021.

The figure represents a 25% increase on 2020 comparatives, as total GAMSTOP self-exclusion registrants stand at 218,000.

A breakdown of applicants saw GAMSTOP register a gender split of 70% male and 30% female. Of those registered with GAMSTOP, 58% select the maximum exclusion period of five years.

Of concern, GAMSTOP cited an increase in younger people accessing its scheme, as 41% of registrants were in the 25-to-34 age bracket – a figure rising to 59% when widening the age bracket to 18-to-34 range.

Providing further insights on the effectiveness of self-exclusion, the bi-annual review featured independent analysis undertaken by research agency Sonnet.

Feedback revealed that GAMSTOP is used by a broad cross-section of ages, ethnicities and socio-economic groups across the UK experiencing problem gambling harms. 

A survey of 3,300 registrants found that the ethnic makeup of GAMSTOP users corresponds with the broader UK population – 89% white, 3% asian, 2% black and 1% mixed-race.

The research further revealed the socio-economic status of respondents, as 29% lived in households with a pre-tax income of more than £48,000 per annum and 48% in households earning more than £32,000 per annum.

More than 75% were in full or part-time employment and 63% had no children in their household.

Fiona Palmer, GAMSTOP CEO, said: “While it is encouraging to see that consumers are continuing to find GAMSTOP and use it as a crucial safety net in their recovery, this review reinforces the importance of continuing to raise awareness of practical tools that are available to those struggling with gambling-related harm.

“Our evaluation results demonstrate that gambling-related harm is an issue that affects people from all walks of life, irrespective of income, location, or gender. It is imperative that we continue to reach people from across the UK, and to give them access to tools that can aid them in their recovery, or form an important preventative measure.”