Gamstop reports 16% increase in self-exclusion registrations
16th July 2026
Gamstop Online, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported a 16% year-on-year increase in registrations during the first half of 2026, with May setting a new monthly record.
The biggest increase in registrations was among under 25s, a 26% year-on-year increase, and they now make up nearly one in three of all self-exclusions. Younger users are also most likely to opt for shorter exclusions, with 38% choosing the minimum six-month term, which indicates they are using it as a helpful preventative tool to manage their gambling.
By contrast, more than one in two of the 614,738 consumers currently on Gamstop Online have opted for the maximum five-year exclusion and, amongst all age groups, only one in four have self-excluded for six months.
Men accounted for more than seven out of ten new registrations, which is consistent with the gender split since Gamstop’s inception in 2018.
Monthly registrations have been consistent throughout the first half of 2026, peaking in May with a record 12,236 sign-ups, but England’s successful World Cup run deep into the tournament could see that number eclipsed in July. Typically, Gamstop Online sees a surge in sign-ups immediately after a big football tournament, or after England have been knocked out.
Matt Burgiss, head of external affairs at The Gamstop Group, who began betting on football as a teenager and subsequently experienced gambling addiction, warned: “There is a real risk that people have increased their gambling during the World Cup and once the tournament is over, they might turn to online casino games or other forms of gambling. Self-exclusion gives them the opportunity to take a break from gambling and prevent it from getting out of hand”.
Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, said: “The fact that self-exclusion has again increased significantly year-on-year shows that users are continuing to find it an invaluable and flexible tool to manage their gambling, particularly younger consumers. Whilst the landscape has changed significantly in recent months, our approach remains the same, which is to work collaboratively across the sector, emphasising the importance of layering tools and support, to enhance recovery for those experiencing harm”.
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