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Record sign-ups in 2021 push GAMSTOP registrants beyond 200,000

Published

5 years ago

April 6, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

GAMSTOP recorded its highest ever day for registrations in February 2021
An average of 5,500 people per month have registered since launch in April 2018
96% keep self-exclusion in place once the initial exclusion period has expired

More than 200,000 people are now registered with GAMSTOP, the free, independent national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, after a spike in numbers during lockdown.

Registrations in February 2021 increased 21% year-on-year, with nearly 6,500 people choosing to exclude themselves from all UK-licensed sites, which followed a 14% year-on-year increase in January when more than 7,000 people registered. There were 326 registrations on February 22^nd, the highest daily figure recorded in GAMSTOP’s history.

The 200,000 landmark, which was not expected to be reached until later in the year, coincides with the first anniversary of a shake-up in the self-exclusion system. From March 31^st last year it became a licensing requirement for all online operators to be registered with GAMSTOP.

According to the Gambling Commission, the total number of online bets rose by 12% from November to December 2020, and the trend towards more online gambling may be leading to more vulnerable individuals choosing to exclude themselves from all sites.

In January 2021, 49,328 GAMSTOP-excluded individuals out of a possible 177,038 attempted to gamble and were successfully blocked by the scheme. While this demonstrates the effectiveness of GAMSTOP, it also highlights that self-exclusion is not a silver bullet for those with a gambling addiction, who should always seek treatment alongside blocks they have in place.

GAMSTOP advocates a layered approach to tackling problem gambling and is collaborating with GamCare and Gamban on the TalkBanStop campaign, which promotes the use of a range of practical tools and support via The National Gambling Helpline.

Registration with GAMSTOP is free, with people asked to fill in personal details and select an exclusion period of six months, one year or five years. More than 120,000 of those who have registered chose to put in place a five-year exclusion, the longest term possible.

GAMSTOP was launched in April 2018 and, of those who chose shorter self-exclusion periods, and therefore became eligible to remove themselves from the scheme from October 2018 onwards, 96% left the exclusion in place. Since that date, 15,400 have removed their exclusion only to reinstate it.

Recently, the number of women registered with GAMSTOP surpassed 50,000, and the gender split on the scheme is 71% male, 29% female. 18-34 year-olds are the most prolific age group using GAMSTOP, accounting for 59% of all registrants.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “We’re pleased that GAMSTOP is serving as an effective safety net, providing crucial breathing space to those who are struggling with their gambling. With the rate of registrants continuing to rise, I would urge anybody putting self-exclusion from online gambling in place through GAMSTOP to also seek treatment. Awareness around self-exclusion schemes and blocking software has been increasing throughout the last year, and it is important that we continue to spread the message about what help is available to those who need it most.”

Matt Blanks, 35, is a recovering gambling addict who registered with GAMSTOP after his addiction led to him trying to take his own life. He now uses his experience to help other suffering with the addiction.

He said: “Signing up to GAMSTOP was a massive relief to me. I had previously had to self-exclude with each individual operator, and would simply move onto the next site who I hadn’t self-excluded from. It was like a game of whack-a-mole, and I kept relapsing. GAMSTOP helped me self-exclude from all online gambling sites in one go, giving me space to clear my head, seek support and kickstart my recovery journey.”

Asia

PG Soft signs on as sponsor for SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

Published

26 minutes ago

May 22, 2026

Wladimir P.

pg-soft-signs-on-as-sponsor-for-sigma-asia-2026-in-manila

PG Soft has been named as a sponsor of SiGMA Asia 2026, set to take place at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

According to the company, the sponsorship package includes branding in the venue lobby and a 60-second branded video broadcast inside the exhibition hall across 14 hanging HD screens during the two-day expo.

PG Soft said the commercial partnership is part of its focus on engaging with Asian markets and supporting SiGMA’s networking aims for the global iGaming community.

A PG Soft spokesperson said: “SiGMA Asia is a must-attend event on the iGaming calendar, and Manila is one of the most exciting markets in the region. We’re very pleased to be supporting this summit and look forward to presenting our brand to the influential audience that SiGMA Asia continues to attract.”

The post PG Soft signs on as sponsor for SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

adtech

PropellerAds rolls out Interactive Ads format aimed at higher-intent clicks

Published

26 minutes ago

May 22, 2026

Wladimir P.

propellerads-rolls-out-interactive-ads-format-aimed-at-higher-intent-clicks

PropellerAds has launched Interactive Ads, a new ad format the company says is designed to improve click quality and increase conversion rates by adding a brief interaction before users reach an advertiser’s landing page.

Interactive Ads require users to complete a lightweight action—such as swiping, selecting, taking a mini quiz, or clicking a confirmation—before continuing. PropellerAds positions this “engagement step” as a filter for high-intent users, with the aim of reducing accidental clicks and low-interest traffic that can dilute campaign performance.

The company said the format is designed to be activated within existing campaign workflows and does not require additional creative assets or technical development. PropellerAds also said its platform automatically selects the interaction type based on advertiser goals and user characteristics.

PropellerAds suggested the format can be used alongside other ad approaches in a broader funnel—for example, using Social Commerce to generate initial traffic and Interactive Ads to qualify users before conversion.

Separately, PropellerAds said it was featured in G2’s Summer Report, which the software marketplace compiles using verified customer reviews, market presence, and user feedback.

The post PropellerAds rolls out Interactive Ads format aimed at higher-intent clicks appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BetGames

Weekend Reels | Week 21: Slot Drops & Trends

Published

1 hour ago

May 22, 2026

Wladimir P.

weekend-reels-|-week-21:-slot-drops-&-trends

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Booming Games has released its latest slot “Diamond Forge: Link & Loot”. Boasting a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, the game offers players a maximum win potential of 10,000x. Set on a classic, diamond background, two explosive bonus features provide the ultimate experience for those seeking entertaining gameplay.

GAMOMAT has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Multi Machine, a classic fruit game crafted to connect with German players. Multi Machine is a 4-reel, 81 Ways to win fruit title that places the Wild at the centre, focusing on clean, stripped-back reel action.

DEGEN Studios has released Tomb of Wishes, a 5×5 cluster pays slot built around cascading wins, Random Wilds and a three-stage bonus sequence themed around a genie. In the base game, winning clusters remove symbols from the grid and feed a central counter. As more symbols are cleared, Random Wilds can land to help complete clusters and extend cascades.

PopOK Gaming has launched a new slot game, Fortune Tarta, with the title released on May 15, 2026. The supplier said the Asian-themed game is available for integration and is built around a 3×3 layout with five paylines.

Greentube continues to build on one of its most popular game franchises with the launch of Cash Connection Charming Lady’s Boom Coins, the latest charming addition to the Cash Connection series. Bringing together two fan-favourites, the 5×3 title combines the widely enjoyed Cash Connection mechanics with the unmistakable elegance of Charming Lady’s Boom.

Evoplay has launched Juicy Fruit Coins Hold and Win, its latest slot release built around a classic fruit-machine theme and a modern Hold and Win mechanic. The five-reel title uses traditional fruit symbols and wilds, with Scatter symbols triggering Free Spins.

Evoplay launches Juicy Fruit Coins Hold and Win slot

Relax Gaming has released Purrrminator Dream Drop, the latest title in its Dream Drop jackpot series. The supplier said the Dream Drop series has now produced 30 MEGA Jackpot millionaires, with four payouts triggered this year in a record time frame.

Relax Gaming adds Purrrminator Dream Drop to its jackpot series

BetGames has launched Chili Cash, a new high-volatility slot that debuts the supplier’s Hold & Win Plus feature. The game includes 243 ways to win, four jackpots and a stated maximum payout of 10,000x. Chili Cash is built on a 5×3 reel layout. BetGames said Hold & Win Plus allows players to lock in cash and jackpot prizes.

Pragmatic Play has expanded its fan-favourite canine slot franchise with the release of “The Big Dog House”. The main highlight of this new slot is the introduction of colossal wilds that help players target a massive 15,000x win potential.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a prominent B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, has announced the launch of three new titles—The Great Eggscape, Aphrodite Legends of Olympus, and Gold Fever Mine All Mine—across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.