The UK’s national online gambling self-exclusion scheme, GAMSTOP, recorded its busiest month ever in May 2026, with registrations climbing sharply ahead of the FIFA World Cup, reflecting growing awareness of safer gambling tools among consumers.
According to GAMSTOP’s latest report covering the first half of 2026, registrations increased by 16% compared with the same period last year. May alone saw 12,236 people sign up to the service, making it the highest monthly total since the scheme launched in 2018.
The organisation expects July figures to surpass that record, noting that demand for self-exclusion typically rises after major football tournaments conclude or when England exits international competition.
Young adults accounted for the strongest growth. Registrations among people under the age of 25 rose 26% year-on-year during the first six months of 2026, with the age group representing nearly one-third of all new users. The trend follows GAMSTOP’s previous annual findings, which highlighted a 40% increase in self-exclusions among younger consumers during FY2025.
Men continued to make up the majority of new registrations, accounting for more than 70% of sign-ups, a pattern that has remained consistent since the service was introduced.
Matt Burgiss, Head of External Affairs at GAMSTOP Group, warned that heightened betting activity during the World Cup can continue even after the tournament ends, with some consumers shifting from sports betting to online casino products. He said self-exclusion provides an important opportunity for players to pause their gambling before it develops into more serious harm.
GAMSTOP CEO Fiona Palmer said the continued year-on-year increase demonstrates that self-exclusion remains an important responsible gambling measure, particularly for younger players. She added that the organisation will continue working alongside operators, regulators and support services to encourage the use of multiple safer gambling tools as part of broader harm prevention efforts.
The figures come during a period of heightened focus on consumer protection surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with UK authorities and industry bodies urging organisations to strengthen safeguards and minimise risks associated with major sporting events.