An independent evaluation conducted by Ipsos has revealed that a majority of Gamstop users feel safer and more in control of their gambling behaviour after registering with the national self-exclusion scheme.
The study surveyed over 4,650 users and found that 78% reported Gamstop had delivered the results they were seeking, with 80% of respondents stating they would recommend the service to others.
The research, published on 18 September 2024, highlights that 73% of users expressed satisfaction with the service, a figure that increased to 85% among individuals who no longer engage in gambling.
Additionally, 72% of respondents said they felt safer from the potential harms associated with gambling after registering with Gamstop, with three-quarters reporting they felt more in control of their gambling habits.
Since its launch in 2018, more than 500,000 individuals have registered with Gamstop to block access to UK-licensed online gambling operators. The report indicated that the most common reasons for registration were to stop gambling altogether (55%), regain control of life (55%) and reduce spending on gambling (51%).
Despite the positive feedback, the evaluation also identified areas for improvement. Many users noted that while the service serves as an effective barrier to online gambling, it does not eliminate the urge to gamble.
The report suggests that offering longer or lifetime exclusion periods could provide greater peace of mind for users, especially those aiming to stop gambling altogether.
One significant concern raised by service users was the availability of unlicensed gambling platforms. Some respondents reported engaging with illegal operators that promote themselves as not being part of the Gamstop system.
The report recommends that the UK Government, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders address the issue of black-market gambling and implement stricter regulations on the promotion of these platforms.
In light of these findings, the evaluation highlights that while Gamstop remains an effective tool for reducing gambling-related harm from licensed operators, more work is needed to tackle illegal gambling activity.
Gamstop CEO Fiona Palmer commented: “We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the service through comprehensive independent research and it is gratifying to know that most of our users feel Gamstop has helped them significantly reduce gambling-related harm.”
This month, Gamstop expanded its outreach by collaborating with The New Saints FC for Self-Exclusion Day, aimed at promoting responsible gambling awareness.
