UK Gamstop Leader Reveals 1% of Adults in Britain Use Self-Exclusion Feature on Gambling Platforms
Fashioning a New Chapter: Jenny Watson's Parting Words as Gamstop's Chair
Jenny Watson, the seasoned figure at the helm of Gamstop since 2018, prepares to bid adieu, penning a heartfelt message for the industry-leading self-exclusion scheme's annual report. The report delves into the organization's triumphs in steering responsible gaming and combating gambling addiction.
Watson: A Seasoned Guardian of Responsible Gaming
Watson, slated to depart in September, reflects on Gamstop's unparalleled journey, traversing the years to reclaim its position as a vital pillar in the gambling landscape. Her statement underscores Gamstop's critical role in safeguarding players through necessary resources for safe gambling.
Watson highlights the significant number of gamblers, particularly those at risk, who have enrolled with Gamstop to voluntarily ban themselves from licensed sites. Since its launch in 2018, an astonishing 560,000 individuals have registered, equating to a percent of the UK adult population, Watson notes in the report.
"We've made unprecedented progress in our dedication to shield people from the perils of gambling addiction, bettering countless lives in the process," Watson declares.
She points out that success isn't just about the numbers, but also the profound impact Gamstop has on the lives of those it assists.
"Over the years, we've received countless testimonials from consumers praising Gamstop for regaining control over their lives," Watson adds. However, she stresses that Gamstop's presence is not just a local triumph, but rather an established global entity, recognized as a world-renowned technology provider supporting the gambling harm mitigation sector.
Watson commends Gamstop's efficiency, disclosing that according to an audit conducted in 2024, an impressive 75% of registrants have ceased gambling, with an additional 78% expressing satisfaction with the program.
As Gamstop wings its search for a new chair, the position has been listed on the recruitment platform Starfish Search.
Future Chair: A Pillar of Integrity and Objectivity
The job posting emphasizes the need for a new candidate to preserve total independence from the gambling industry, reflecting Gamstop's commitment to delivering support without compromise.
"Our incoming chair will join us during a period of growth and advancement for Gamstop, and at a time of significant change within the sector itself. Gambling holds a high profile in the UK, and the industry remains under constant scrutiny by the public and politicians," the job posting reads.
In the interim, Gamstop anticipates achieving wide-ranging operations due to the UK government's decision to impose a statutory levy on gambling operators' gross gaming yield. Proceeds from this levy will be directed towards research and harm prevention initiatives, making Gamstop a likely beneficiary.
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Enrichment Data:As of the latest news (April-May 2025), Jenny Watson's replacement as Chair of Gamstop has yet to be officially announced[1][2]. The organization is actively moving forward with the recruitment process, with the new chair slated to take office by autumn 2025.
Requirements for the role are not explicitly specified in the available sources, but the position likely calls for:- Cross-sector leadership experience: Watson's various non-executive roles (e.g., Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Broadland Housing Group) imply a preference for candidates boasting diverse board experience[1].- Dedication to harm reduction: The chair leads Gamstop's mission to combat gambling-related harm, demanding alignment with public health or consumer protection objectives[1].- Strategic oversight skills: The successor will be expected to guide Gamstop's evolution, including its core services (self-exclusion registry and support services)[2].
The recruitment process is ongoing, with no specific eligibility criteria disclosed publicly.
- Jenny Watson, in her final statement as Chair of Gamstop, emphasized the organization's crucial role in safeguarding players from gambling addiction, particularly in the UK, where over half a million individuals have registered for self-exclusion since its launch.
- Watson, departing in September, expressed Toward the future, the yet-to-be-appointed chair of Gamstop will be expected to maintain total independence from the gambling industry, in alignment with Gamstop's commitment to delivering support without bias.
- While Watson's successor has yet to be announced (as of April-May 2025), the recruitment process prioritizes candidates with diverse board experience, a dedication to harm reduction, and strategic oversight skills.
- The new chair will join Gamstop during a period of growth and advancement, influencing the direction of the organization as it continues to combat gambling addiction, safeguarding both domestic and international players.
