UK registers under Gamstop, a gambling ban service, witness a surge in sign-ups
Rising Concern Over Problem Gambling Among UK Youth: Measures Taken to Address the Issue
In a concerning trend, registrations on Gamstop, the UK's self-exclusion register for online gambling, have shown a significant increase among young people. Between August and December 2023, registrations from individuals aged 16 to 24 increased by 31%, according to recent data.
This rise reflects a growing concern about problematic gambling in the UK's youth population. To address this issue, several measures are being implemented:
Mandatory Inclusion in GamStop
UK-licensed operators are mandated to participate in GamStop, a multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. This scheme enables gamblers to voluntarily restrict their access to gambling sites, providing a crucial tool for individuals, including young players, who recognize they have a gambling problem and want to stop.
Strict Age Verification
Online casinos and gambling platforms are legally required to verify that all players are 18 or older before allowing access. This measure protects minors from exposure to gambling and is strictly enforced during the sign-up and withdrawal processes.
Regulatory Oversight and Penalties
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates gambling operators to ensure compliance with responsible gambling rules, including youth protection. Operators who fail to adhere to regulations, such as fraud prevention and proper age verification, face fines and sanctions.
Public Awareness and Support Services
Organizations like GambleAware and the National Gambling Helpline offer advice, counseling, and support for those negatively affected by gambling. These services focus on preventive education and helping young people and others manage gambling addiction.
Consultations and Strategy Updates
The UK Gambling Commission regularly conducts consultations and publishes strategies aimed at improving protections around youth gambling. Recent official statistics released in late 2023 have informed policy updates and regulatory approaches.
In addition to these measures, Gamstop has previously launched large-scale advertising campaigns to bring the self-exclusion register to the attention of the public in the UK. In 2023, registrations from individuals aged 16 to 24 accounted for a higher percentage (21%) compared to the previous year (17%).
Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, has emphasized the importance of raising awareness of the service for those who could benefit from self-exclusion and their families. She also plans to target younger problem gamblers and raise awareness about Gamstop in 2024, collaborating with like-minded organizations and leveraging the support of football club partners.
One such individual who has registered with Gamstop is 38-year-old Harj Gahley, who started gambling at the age of 23 and moved on to online gambling later. Harj has shared his story of losing thousands of pounds on some days, borrowing and even stealing money to continue gambling, and making several unsuccessful attempts to stop. His experience underscores the need for effective self-exclusion measures and support services.
As of 2024, Gamstop has had over 433,000 registrants, with a significant number of registrations coming from younger individuals. The longest self-exclusion period available through Gamstop, 5 years, was the most popular choice among registrants in 2023, accounting for 55% of all registrations.
While the success rate of Gamstop in helping individuals control their gambling habits is not yet clear, the increase in registrations suggests that more people are seeking help. The specific start date for public awareness efforts targeting younger age groups has not yet been announced. The impact of Gamstop on gambling-related problems among young people specifically is also yet to be determined. However, the UK's proactive approach to addressing problematic youth gambling offers hope for those struggling with gambling addiction.
- What about mandatory inclusion of UK-licensed casinos in GamStop, a self-exclusion scheme for problem gamblers, especially considering the 31% increase in young people registering on the platform?
- Are strict age verification measures in place for casino-and-gambling platforms, ensuring that only individuals aged 18 or older can participate, as per UK regulations?
- How has policy-and-legislation and enforcement by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) impacted gambling-trends, particularly in terms of youth protection and responsible gambling?
- In the general-news, have there been any updates on recent consultations conducted by the UK Gambling Commission to strategize improvements around youth gambling issues and problem gambling trends?
- As concerns regarding responsible-gambling continue to rise, what is the current approach towards sports-betting, another popular form of gambling among young people in the UK? Are there any measures or collaborations with sports organizations planned, such as those working on raising awareness about Gamstop?
