GAMSTOP reported an increase in registrations of its free national player self-exclusion system during 2021. The group registered 40,000 people with its self-exclusion service in the first six months of this year.
The number represents a 25% increase compared to 2020 as the total GAMSTOP self-exclusion records are 218,000. According to the data announced, there is a gender split of 70% men and 30% women. Of those registered with GAMSTOP, 58% select the maximum exclusion period of five years.
In addition, the organization cited an increase in the number of younger people accessing its system, as 41% of supporters were in the 25 to 34 age group – a number that rose to 59% when it expanded the age group to 18 to 34 years old.
Details about the system offered by GAMSTOP in the UK
Providing more information about the self-exclusion process, an independent review was carried out by the research agency Sonnet. Feedback revealed that GAMSTOP is used by a wide range of ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups across the UK who are experiencing problems with gambling.
A survey of 3,300 subscribers found that the ethnic composition of GAMSTOP users corresponds to the broadest population in the UK – 89% white, 3% Asian, 2% black and 1% mixed race.
The study also revealed the socioeconomic status of respondents, as 29% lived in families with a pre-tax income of more than £48,000 per year and 48% in families with an income above £32,000 per year. More than 75% had full or part-time jobs and 63% had no children at home.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “While it is encouraging to see that consumers continue to find GAMSTOP and use it as a critical safety net in their recovery, this review reinforces the importance of continuing to raise awareness about GAMSTOP. practical tools available to those struggling with gambling-related damage.”
Palmer added, “Our assessment results demonstrate that gambling-related harm is an issue that affects people of all walks of life, regardless of income, location or gender. It is imperative that we continue to reach out to people across the UK and give them access to tools that can help them in their recovery or be an important preventative measure.”
