Gamstop reports record high self-exclusions as 1 in 100 UK adults opt out, and industry-health partnerships strengthen.
Gamstop’s latest annual report offers a clear sign that responsible gambling is gaining ground in the UK, with more individuals choosing to opt out before their habits spiral.
It also hints at something bigger: the industry is starting to connect the dots between self-exclusion and long-term mental health support.
Self-exclusion hits a new high
The standout stat is that over 560,000 people in the UK have registered with Gamstop since its launch in 2018—about 1% of the adult population. That’s not just a big number; it’s a clear sign that self-exclusion from gambling is being embraced as a real and effective step !
Registration numbers have outpaced original speculation, showing just how vital self-exclusion tools have become . An independent study conducted by Ipsos in 2024 backed this up, finding that 75% of users who registered with Gamstop no longer gamble online. Even better is that nearly 80% said the tool delivered exactly what they’d hoped for.
Outgoing chair Jenny Watson CBE, who has led the organisation from the start and will step down later in 2025, called Gamstop a “world-leading technology provider” when it comes to gambling harm support. CEO Fiona Palmer doubled down on that statement, saying their focus remains on offering a “clear, technically robust exclusion solution to those who need it most” .
Young adults are leading the way
One of the most interesting trends in the latest data is the growing number of younger people choosing to self-exclude . While exact age breakdowns weren’t detailed, previous data and Gamstop’s own updates suggest that those under 25 years old are turning to the service in droves—particularly in regions like the North East of England.
This particular group has grown up in the age of betting apps, casino pop-ups, 24/7 odds, and the rise of UK online casinos . But it’s also a generation that’s proving to be more proactive when it comes to setting boundaries.
Beyond the block button
Self-exclusion is a great start, but what happens next is just as important. And that’s where collaboration is starting to play a bigger role.
EDGE Boost , for example, is a US-based fintech product that launched in March 2025. It helps users separate gambling spending from their daily finances. It recently teamed up with Birches Health , a healthcare provider specialising in gambling addiction . The partnership offers users direct access to clinical support and education, right from the EDGE Boost app and website.
The tech behind it, powered by idPair, even keeps user data anonymous for safer research and insights—a crucial step in making responsible gambling both personal and preventative .
Gamstop has also been expanding its own network of support, aiming to not just block access to gambling sites but also guide users toward long-term help in how to play responsibly or stopping altogether if necessary.
A healthier future is coming
What we’re seeing is a more holistic approach to gambling harm. It’s no longer just about setting limits or ticking off compliance boxes. It’s about care, accountability, and offering people real tools to make a lasting change.
And that’s why Gamstop’s rising numbers are something to celebrate! Not because more people are struggling, but because more people are taking action . They’re recognising the signs early and getting support before things fall apart.
Looking ahead, Gamstop plans to expand its reach , deepen its data and research capabilities into the psychology of gambling and ways to help, and keep working closely with treatment services. With features like auto-renewal already in place and a strong foundation of user trust, the focus is shifting from reactive to proactive .