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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.”

ADM

Xpoint aims to bring battle-tested geolocation tech to Italy as regulatory complexity grows

Published

22 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

xpoint-aims-to-bring-battle-tested-geolocation-tech-to-italy-as-regulatory-complexity-grows

Having built its reputation as a trusted geolocation partner for North American gambling operators, Xpoint is now setting its sights on Europe. With Italy as its entry point, the company is looking to bring the same compliance precision and seamless player experience it has delivered stateside to a continent where regulatory boundaries are anything but straightforward. CEO Manu Gambhir sets out what is driving the expansion.

With a previous focus on the North American gambling market, what is driving your expansion into Europe now?

Our success in North America has given us an understanding of the complexities around geolocation as well as invaluable insights into what operators truly need from a geolocation provider. We have spent years building technology that balances compliance precision with user experience, and we have seen firsthand how critical that balance is. Europe presents a natural next step as markets like Italy have sophisticated regulatory frameworks and operators who understand the value of reliable geolocation. Our technology already handles complex multi-jurisdictional scenarios in the US where you might have different rules between states, or even between counties. That granular precision translates well to markets where regulatory boundaries don’t always follow national borders. We are not just looking to export our North American solution, we aim to bring our proven technology and adapting it to meet European requirements.

You mentioned Italy, how does Xpoint’s approach address that market’s specific compliance needs?

In Italy, geolocation rules for online gambling have recently undergone a massive overhaul. As of late 2025, the regulatory body Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) has transitioned the country into one of the strictest geolocation and identity verification frameworks in Europe. The core principle is simple. To gamble on an Italian-licensed site, you must be physically located within Italian borders. The complexity is added with the requirement of excluding specific territories like Vatican City and San Marino which are not covered by the local gambling laws. Some regional legislation also dictates safe distances from military zones, schools and places of worship which operators need to block activity from.

The ADM now also requires operators to use multi-layered location verification and to implement anti-spoofing technology, blocking access if VPN, proxies or Remote Desktop Software is detected.

Italy’s regulatory environment is rigorous, and rightfully so. Our approach has always been to work closely with regulators rather than simply meeting minimum standards. We are now focused on understanding ADM’s requirements around player location verification and responsible gambling measures.

What lessons from the North American market are most applicable as you expand into Europe?

The biggest lesson is that geolocation technology must be invisible when it works and transparent when questions arise. Operators in North America initially worried that location checks would create friction in the player experience. We have proven that accurate geolocation can happen seamlessly as players barely notice it. But when disputes arise, or when regulators have questions, our audit trails and documentation provide complete clarity. European operators have the same concerns, and we’re looking to bring solutions that have already solved them at scale.

Beyond Italy, what’s your broader vision for Xpoint’s presence in Europe?

Italy is our intended entry point, but we are also starting to look at Europe as a whole. In the US, we are seeing the use cases for geolocation evolve, with certain states like Illinois, introducing a higher levy in one county, making it even more important to identify the exact location of players. Similar challenges may emerge in Europe, too.

We are currently in a learning phase about Europe and what each market might need. As we have found in North America, what will definitely be essential is local expertise, responsive support, and technology that evolves appropriately with each market’s regulatory landscape.

The post Xpoint aims to bring battle-tested geolocation tech to Italy as regulatory complexity grows appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

David Schwieler MD B2C Nordics & Americas LCKY Group

Movers and Shakers: What’s In A Name?

Published

22 minutes ago

March 19, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.

David Schwieler, MD, B2C Nordics & Americas (LCKY Group)

When we rebranded from Glitnor to LCKY Group this year, we did so to ensure we had a name that reflected the brands under our umbrella and the drive of the people that make us who we are: it was a natural evolution of the group’s DNA.

Having grown from a Nordic challenger into a global business, a lot has changed in the past few years. As we’ve expanded, we’ve opened multiple offices across Europe and taken on a workforce comprised of people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. As LCKY Group, we still retain the agile structure and entrepreneurial spirit of Glitnor that has got the group to where it is today.

Under the new branding we’ve created a platform for international growth by adopting a name that will resonate in regulated markets worldwide. Our recent acquisition of OneCasino added impetus to the decision by further extending the group’s outreach, with this giving us an identity that could transcend borders and chime with global audiences

Given that LCKY Group will remain focused on regulated markets moving forward, the rebrand will help us seamlessly expand into new jurisdictions under a banner both players and operators can get behind. Bold, fun and fuelled by the talent of its people, it’s the collective DNA of our brands encapsulated at group level, with each unique story contributing to the whole.

From the integrity and innovation of our software supplier Swintt to the playful branding and mobile-first accessibility of Happy Casino, LCKY Group is the product of a rich tapestry of influences – and by incorporating them all into our collective identity, we can nurture and grow each brand without ever diluting the individual qualities that make every one so special.

With the individual strengths and unique identity of each label that sits under the LCKY Group umbrella now better represented than ever before, we’re ready to take the next step in our journey as a leading iGaming company. Confidently looking to the future rather than dwelling on the success stories of the past, we’ll continue to drive exponential growth for all our partners through a name they can trust.

LCKY Group is more than a new name to me. It reflects who we are today and the ambition driving us forward. It captures the spirit of our brands, our culture and the joy behind what we build. I’m incredibly proud of the team who made this happen and excited for what’s ahead. We are LCKY Group.

The post Movers and Shakers: What’s In A Name? appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

AGS Interactive

AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments

Published

10 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

ags-interactive-strengthens-global-team-with-key-appointments

Brett Jackson, Vice President of Product Management, Interactive (L) and Angelo Daino, Country Manager for Europe, Interactive (R)

AGS Interactive (AGSi), a leading supplier of high-performing slots, table games, and interactive gaming products, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to bolster its global growth strategy.

Brett Jackson has been named Vice President of Product Management, Interactive, while Angelo Daino joins as Country Manager for Europe, Interactive. These appointments reinforce AGSi’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets and enhancing product innovation worldwide.

Strategic Leadership for Global Expansion

Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Slots at AGS, stated: “Brett and Angelo bring unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the gaming industry that will support AGS’ global expansion. Brett’s leadership in product development and Angelo’s regional acumen and commercial capabilities position them as integral to AGS’ growth strategy.”

Brett Jackson – Driving Product Innovation

Jackson brings extensive experience in game development and product leadership, having held roles at Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder, Apple, and Atlassian.

In his new role, he will oversee AGSi’s product management initiatives, ensuring the development of innovative, user-focused gaming solutions across online and interactive platforms. Jackson combines customer insight with forward-thinking product vision to enhance AGSi’s portfolio and meet evolving market demands.

Angelo Daino – Leading European Market Growth

Daino brings over a decade of international commercial experience and four years in the iGaming industry. As Country Manager for Europe, he will lead strategic partnerships, market expansion, and operator engagement across regulated European territories.

His role focuses on commercializing AGSi’s online real-money gaming content and forging collaborations to expand the company’s footprint in key global markets.

Engagement Across Global Industry Events

AGSi plans to actively showcase its offerings and engage with partners at major upcoming events, including:

Enada Primavera – Rimini, Italy
IGA – San Diego, California
SBC Summit – Canada and Lisbon
IGB Live – London, UK

These events provide opportunities for AGSi to strengthen industry relationships, demonstrate its latest interactive products, and drive global growth initiatives.

Commitment to Innovation and Growth

The leadership appointments signal AGSi’s dedication to combining innovative gaming solutions with strategic international expansion. By leveraging Jackson’s product expertise and Daino’s regional experience, AGSi aims to solidify its position as a global leader in interactive gaming content.

The company continues to focus on delivering cutting-edge slot games, table games, and interactive platforms designed for regulated markets, ensuring partners and operators worldwide can access premium, scalable gaming solutions.

The post AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.