GamStop has seen a 16% jump in self-exclusion registrations over the first half of 2026, pushing total users past 614,000. The UK’s national self-exclusion scheme just keeps growing, with May hitting peak numbers at 12,236 new sign-ups.

Young Players Lead the Charge

Here’s what really jumped out: a 26% year-on-year surge among under-25s. That’s a genuine demographic shift. Younger players clearly know about self-exclusion options and are far more willing to use them. Interesting bit though: they tend to go for shorter lockout periods than older users. Still, 38% of this age group pick the minimum six-month exclusion, which points to real commitment on their part.

The Long-Term View

The data that really stands out? Half of all GamStop users, roughly 307,000 people, have locked in the full five-year exclusion period. That’s not a casual choice. These are players making serious, long-term commitments about their gambling.

Men continue to make up the bulk of new registrations, accounting for seven in ten sign-ups. GamStop CEO Fiona Palmer reckoned these figures show players see self-exclusion as a flexible, valuable management tool rather than an admission of failure. Hard to argue with that.

Seasonal Pressures Ahead

Worth knowing: GamStop Group Head of External Affairs Matt Burgiss flagged something crucial. Major sporting events like the World Cup create real pressure points. Increased betting activity during tournaments can suck players deeper into higher-risk games like online casinos, and some find it hard to step back once the momentum builds.

Self-exclusion acts as a safety valve. A well-timed registration can stop casual interest from turning into something more problematic, especially for players who know they struggle with impulse control when gambling gets hot.

The numbers tell a straightforward story. More awareness, more uptake, more people taking genuine control of their play. That’s solid progress.