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Responsible gambling: More players opt to self-exclude than ever before

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As the world changes, so are priorities, including spending money on online gambling. Gamstop recorded the highest number of self-exclusions in 2022. What's next for 2023?


Around the world, online gambling has become a form of entertainment that provides a fun way to spend an evening or take a break from reality.

In different parts of the world, people enjoy casino gambling in different ways. But one fact remains the same: playing responsibly should always be the most important focus.

Organisations like Gamstop are giving players a chance to make the right choice at the right time and self-exclude from online gambling in all forms. This is a step that is not taken lightly, but it can save lives.

Self-exclusion in numbers

Self-exclusion allows players to step away from the online gambling world and completely break contact with gambling sites. Online casinos are not allowed to contact players who have self-excluded, which can make all the difference to someone struggling with gambling addiction.

The number of people who opt to use this service grows each year. In 2022, Gamstop ran a new campaign, and the number of people who registered with the service has never been higher.

Between the 1st of July and the end of December 2022, more than 84,000 players registered with Gamstop. This increased the total number of registered customers to 341,365.

The stats from the latest self-exclusion sign-ups are interesting. Of those who have registered in the last 6 months, the following has been revealed:

  • 40% of users are between the ages of 25 and 34.
  • 25% of Gamstop clients range between 35 and 44 in age.
  • 20% of those who joined Gamstop are between the ages of 18 and 24.
  • 30% of those who have recently decided to self-exclude are women.
  • 24% of the total number have opted to self-exclude from gambling for 1 year.
  • 48% of people who recently signed up for the program are self-excluding for 5 years.

While only 20% of registered customers were between the ages of 18 and 24, research shows that 1 in 4 students are experiencing problem gambling. A survey of more than 2000 students revealed that 71% had gambled in UK online casinos the last year, and 24% of those students had ‘problem gambling’ behaviour patterns.

Of the students surveyed, 50% shared that gambling impacted their university experience, and up to 13% stated that they have trouble paying for food. Students reportedly use savings and earnings and borrow money to fund their gambling habits.

As much as 45% of the students who took the survey said that they had no idea help was an option. Thankfully, this is where services like Gamstop can make all the difference.

The cost of living and gambling

Many factors can contribute to the rise and fall of the gambling industry. In the UK, stats have revealed that the total gross gambling yield (GGY) of online play has dropped by 2%, even though the number of active monthly accounts has grown by 13%.

As for those who want to step away from gambling altogether, as the cost of living rises, so does the number of people choosing to self-exclude. Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer commented on this connection, saying:

“In 2022, we saw more than 80,000 new registrations, which is a positive step towards supporting even more people. However, as we see an increase in the number of those with gambling problems, it’s important we continue to raise awareness among friends and family of those who most need it, and that we continue to work with bank blocking and other support services to provide a comprehensive solution.”

As life simply becomes more expensive, some players are still wanting to experience the entertainment that online casinos offer, but they can’t afford to spend as much as they normally would.

Opting to self-exclude from gambling or following stricter budgeting is a reality for many that could change the face of the gambling industry in the future.

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