Gamstop re-issues 5-Year Auto-Renewal Exclusion

Gamstop, the UK’s self-exclusion service for gambling, has launched a new 5-year auto-renewal exclusion option in response to growing user demand for longer-term gambling bans. This announcement coincides with record-breaking registration figures at the start of the year, further highlighting the rising awareness of gambling addiction and its impacts.

Record Registrations Mark the New Year

On 1 January, Gamstop recorded its highest daily registration numbers since May 2023, with 415 new users signing up. This was closely followed by 413 registrations on 2 January and 396 on 6 January. These figures reflect the increasing number of people seeking help to manage their gambling habits.

Responding to User Feedback

The introduction of the 5-year auto-renewal option is a direct response to user feedback. An independent evaluation by Ipsos revealed that many users felt anxious about their exclusion periods ending and wanted a seamless way to maintain their restrictions.

The new feature allows users to automatically extend their exclusion for another five years without needing to manually renew. Email reminders will be sent every 15 months to ensure users stay informed about their status and renewal options. This complements Gamstop’s existing exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.

A Sobering Reality

While initiatives like Gamstop demonstrate progress in addressing gambling addiction, they also highlight a troubling reality: gambling advertising is omnipresent, even targeting vulnerable audiences. Promotions for gambling are visible nearly everywhere — from schools to playgrounds, and even on flights with families. This normalization of gambling advertising creates an environment where young children are exposed to it at an early age.

The result? Gambling has become so ingrained in daily life that its promotion feels unavoidable, creating potential long-term harm for future generations.

It is time to reconsider the widespread advertising of gambling, especially in spaces frequented by children and families. Stricter measures must be taken to ensure that gambling advertisements do not infiltrate schools, kindergartens, or other environments meant to protect and nurture young minds. Without decisive action, we risk normalizing gambling for the next generation — a consequence society cannot afford to ignore.

Gambling advertising should be banned.