GAMSTOP, the UK’s national self-exclusion platform for online gambling, is experiencing a dramatic increase in registrations in 2025, as self-exclusion reaches new heights and a leadership transition signals the platform’s evolving role. Over 10,000 individuals registered in both April and May, marking back-to-back record-breaking months for the service. In total, nearly 54,000 people signed up between January and June, compared to just over 45,000 during the same period in 2024 — a 19% year-on-year rise.
As the service surpasses significant milestones, GAMSTOP has announced that Chris Pond will assume the role of chair in September, following the departure of Jenny Watson CBE. Watson, who has led the platform since its formative years, helped guide it past the half-million user mark by late 2024.
Chris Pond Brings Financial Expertise to the Helm
Pond’s background in financial services and public policy positions him well for the next chapter in GAMSTOP’s development. He currently chairs the Financial Services Consumer Panel at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and serves as Chair of the Money and Mental Health Advisory Board. His previous roles include leading two national charities, heading the Financial Inclusion Commission, and acting as a government minister during his time in Parliament.
His appointment signals an increased focus on aligning consumer financial protection with gambling harm reduction.
Young People Driving New Usage Patterns
Perhaps the most notable development is the steep rise in registrations among 16- to 24-year-olds. This demographic saw a 44% increase in self-exclusion during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. Interestingly, 40% of these younger users chose the minimum exclusion length of six months, suggesting that for many, GAMSTOP functions less as a last resort and more as a proactive, preventative measure — a way to pause, rather than quit entirely.
This shift in how self-exclusion is used may signal a cultural reframe among younger gamblers and a sort of prevention from addiction. As one analysis put it, “They’re not hitting the panic button. They’re hitting pause.”
Regional Disparities Highlight Gambling Vulnerability
For the first time, GAMSTOP released a regional breakdown of self-exclusion rates, revealing that certain areas face disproportionate levels of gambling-related harm. Hull topped the list, with 1.5% of its adult population registered with the service. Teesside and Sunderland followed closely at 1.4%, with Doncaster and Blackpool rounding out the top five. These regions, often marked by economic hardship and high concentrations of betting shops, underscore the connection between financial strain and gambling vulnerability.
A Crossroads for the Sector
While GAMSTOP continues to expand — now encompassing the main platform, the MOSES self-exclusion service for betting shops, and GamProtect for data sharing — challenges remain. Integrating with fintech banking solutions and combating unlicensed or crypto gambling sites are high on the agenda. At its current growth rate, GAMSTOP is projected to reach 700,000 users by mid-2026, demanding increased infrastructure and more nuanced tools to address evolving user needs.
Source:
GAMSTOP record registrations surge as Chris Pond named chair, sigma.world, July 21, 2025.
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