Gamstop has revealed that the number of registrations on its self-exclusion platform increased substantially during 2021 in its annual review. 

Issuing an update this morning, the organisation detailed that there has been a 28% increase in year-on-year registrations to its free online gambling self-exclusion scheme from 2020 to 2021, described as a ‘significant spike’. 

Of the self-excluded individuals in 2021, 50% selected the maximum exclusion period of five years, whilst one year was selected by 24% and six months by 26% – this represents a ‘slight shift’ on the overall split since the launch of the scheme, which has seen 55% select five years and 22% six months.

“Understanding the profile of Gamstop registrants is crucial if we are to continue to ensure that we reach anybody who the Gamstop service can help,” said Fiona Palmer, Gamstop CEO.

“Registrations have remained high throughout 2021. While it is hard to gauge how associated this is to the pandemic, what is clear is that self-exclusion is an increasingly important tool for those who wish to remove the temptation of online gambling.”

On demographic differences, Gamstop also noted that the number of women registering with its service is continuing to grow, now accounting for 75,000 of total registrants. 

However, men continue to account for 70% of total registrations, whilst 43% of total registrations are aged between 25 and 34. 

Lastly, Gamstop updated that the majority of the 257,000 people who have signed up to the self-exclusion scheme since its launch have kept their self-imposed ban in place, with a total of 235,000 currently prohibited from online gambling. 

“We are very lucky to have many committed partners who work hard to raise awareness of the Gamstop service, and I want to place on record our thanks to all of them,” Palmer continued.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure that people have access to the tools that are essential to their recovery.”

Moving forward, Gamstop is set to trial the gambling industry’s ‘Single Customer View’, as revealed by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) last month. The aim of the cross-industry data sharing project is to identify those categorised as at risk of gambling harm and ensure they are protected by all regulated companies.