GAMSTOP Reports 31% Increase in Self-Exclusions Among Under-25s in Second Half of 2024
The UK's GAMSTOP self-exclusion program has seen a concerning 31% increase in registrations among individuals under the age of 25 during the latter half of 2024. This rise signals not only a growing awareness of the program but also a troubling trend of younger individuals seeking to limit their gambling activities.
According to the data, the age group of 16-24 now makes up 24%—or one in four—of all new registrants on the GAMSTOP platform. This increase has been attributed to both the expanded reach of the program and heightened public awareness, though it also highlights the rising gambling-related concerns among younger generations.
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 532,484 people had registered for self-exclusion through GAMSTOP, representing 1% of the UK adult population. The program continues to improve its data collection to better understand regional patterns of gambling harm. Interestingly, nearly half of the individuals who signed up for self-exclusion in the second half of 2024 opted for the maximum five-year ban.
GAMSTOP’s CEO, Fiona Palmer, expressed alarm at the significant rise in self-exclusions among those under 25. She emphasized the need for tailored educational outreach to this vulnerable group, urging further collaboration with organizations like Ygam and Gamcare to reach students and other young people directly. “There is a clear need for targeted education and support aimed at this group,” Palmer stated. “We must continue to work together to ensure young people are aware of tools like self-exclusion that can help prevent gambling harm.”
Palmer also mentioned that GAMSTOP’s ongoing research into the regional distribution of gambling issues could provide further insight into areas where targeted interventions may be necessary. As awareness continues to grow, there is a collective push for more preventive measures to address the increasing number of younger individuals seeking self-exclusion.
Conclusion: The Predictable Outcome of Underage Gambling Exposure
The rise in self-exclusions among individuals under 25, particularly in light of the growing presence of underage streamers or those promoting gambling to younger audiences, highlights a troubling trend that many experts have long anticipated. With the increasing exposure of gambling content to younger viewers, often through popular streaming platforms, it is no surprise that more individuals in this age group are seeking ways to protect themselves through self-exclusion. The normalization of gambling by streamers, whether knowingly or unknowingly, contributes to the risks of underage gambling and its related harms. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that greater responsibility, stricter regulations, and targeted education are essential to prevent further harm to vulnerable, impressionable players. This outcome was one that many had predicted, and it underscores the urgent need for enhanced safeguards and awareness initiatives to protect young audiences from the dangers of gambling.
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This is a wake-up call for the gaming and streaming industry. We need stronger regulations to prevent underage gambling and protect young viewers from the harmful effects of this kind of exposure.
Education and awareness programs are more important than ever. It’s not enough to just tell kids not to gamble—there needs to be active campaigns that explain why it’s harmful, especially when gambling is normalized through streaming.
Streamers have a big role to play in setting an example for their viewers. Instead of promoting gambling, they should use their platform to raise awareness about its risks and the importance of self-control.
This is the outcome that many of us have feared. As gambling becomes more prominent in gaming streams, it’s no surprise that younger audiences are becoming more involved. It's time for platforms to take more responsibility for what content they allow.
It's alarming to see how many young people are getting exposed to gambling through streamers. With the rise of this influence, we need more stringent regulations to protect underage viewers and ensure they aren't encouraged to gamble.