The free national scheme for self-exclusion from online gambling in the UK – GAMSTOP has recently released its bi-annual review figures. This report suggested that there has been a 25% rise in registrations in the first six months of 2021.
The 25% increase in registrations to this gambling addiction support scheme is being compared to the same period last year.
What do the figures say?
According to the GAMSTOP report, more than 40,000 people registered with the scheme in the first half of 2021. Interestingly the second biggest month for registrations on record was March 2021.
The total number of entrants increased by 218,000 by the end of June 2021. They found that the gender split was at 70% male and 30% female. 58% of these players selected the maximum exclusion period of five years.
It is also worth noting that the people most likely to register with GAMSTOP are in the younger age bracket. This might suggest a shift in the demographic of players and those choosing to avoid gambling products in the long term.
Why the surge?
The results from this recent report suggest that people from all demographics in the UK are experiencing gambling problems. This is something that the UK government and the regulatory bodies have been trying to tackle with new measures being implemented.
It is impossible to pinpoint the reason for the surge as every case is different. However, there is reason to believe that the pandemic could have contributed to gambling problems due to debt and more free time at home.
GAMSTOP CEO Fiona Palmer 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.”
