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GAMSTOP marks fifth anniversary with highest number of self-exclusions in a single month

Published

3 years ago

April 24, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

More than 8,500 new registrations recorded in March 2023, a 24% YOY increase
Increase in activity comes as GAMSTOP marks its fifth anniversary
Independent evaluation shows support for lifetime exclusion option

The UK’s independent online self-exclusion scheme, GAMSTOP, recorded 8,504 registrations in March, its highest ever figure in a single month, and a 24% year-on-year increase.

The unprecedented spike in self-exclusions comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of GAMSTOP’s inception. The service was launched in April 2018 and in March 2020 it became a licensing condition for all UK operators to integrate with the scheme, in addition to operating their own self-exclusion schemes.

More than 365,000 people have registered with GAMSTOP from its inception to the end of March 2023, choosing to exclude themselves from all UK operators for a period of either six months, a year or five years, with nearly 330,000 still excluded.

The most likely explanation for the surge in self-exclusions was the Cheltenham Festival, which took place from March 12-15th, attracting hundreds of millions of pounds in wagers. The biggest days for registrations were in the immediate aftermath of the festival.

GAMSTOP recently commissioned independent research agency, Sonnet, to interview a sample of its users, following up a comprehensive evaluation of the service in 2021, which showed that 84% felt safer from gambling-related harm and more in control of their gambling after registering.

The interviewees said that GAMSTOP provided an important safety net and knowing an exclusion was in place helped their recovery because it made them feel safe. Many wanted to have the option of a lifetime exclusion and felt it would help to signal the seriousness of gambling addiction, similar to alcohol or drugs, and to remove social stigma.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said:

“Our most recent data shows that, five years after our inception, GAMSTOP is providing an increasingly important service to potentially vulnerable consumers who want to take a break from gambling. The record monthly registrations shows that we cannot underestimate the demand for a scheme such as GAMSTOP. It is extremely important that we continue to raise awareness to make sure that anyone who needs us knows about us. We also need to continue to listen to our users and develop and improve the scheme to meet their needs.

GAMSTOP registrant Jack Scott spoke about the impact GAMSTOP has had on his life:

“I signed up to GAMSTOP in December 2020 and its impact has been nothing short of life-changing. Prior to signing up for GAMSTOP, I suffered from a lengthy addiction to online gambling that saw me gamble away a terrifying amount of money, often money which I didn’t have.

Since then, I’ve been able to take comfort in the fact that I am unable to access or gamble on those online sites and have been able to commit myself to my real passion of ultrarunning, something I simply wouldn’t have been able to do without GAMSTOP.

I encourage anyone who thinks that they might be suffering from a gambling-related issue to research GAMSTOP or to take advantage of the TalkBanStop partnership, which combines self-exclusion with device blocking software, bank blocks and getting the support you might need through Gamcare”.

assurance

eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

egaming-integrity-wins-sme-news-uk-enterprise-award-for-gambling-assurance

eGaming Integrity has been named Independent Online Gambling Assurance Provider of the Year 2026 at the UK Enterprise Awards, organised by SME News. The company is based in the Isle of Man and works with operators in regulated online gambling markets.

According to the company, the award recognises its assurance work aimed at helping gambling operators evaluate whether their compliance processes are prepared for regulated market requirements, as regulatory expectations increase around compliance standards and customer protection.

eGaming Integrity said its internal audit reviews assess how gambling businesses operate in practice, including whether procedures and controls meet standards expected by regulators. The company added that the process is designed to help operators identify where controls are effective and where improvements may be needed before issues emerge.

Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, said,

“This award recognises the reason eGaming Integrity was created. Responsible operators want to know where they stand before problems appear, and independent assurance provides that outside perspective.

“Our team has seen regulation from both sides, which helps us understand where processes can break down and how operators can make practical improvements.”

Speaking on the accomplishments of the 2026 winners, Laura O’Carroll, Awards Manager, said,

“The announcement of our UK Enterprise Awards is perhaps one of our most anticipated milestones every year, and the 2026 launch is no different. We are truly pleased to deliver our digital magazine and winners list, showcasing such excellence, to our readers again this year. Atop this, to our winners, and from our team to yours, we wish you all a sincere congratulations on your success in this year’s programme.”

The post eGaming Integrity wins SME News UK Enterprise Award for gambling assurance appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bonus Buy

Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

booming-games-launches-tasty-bonanza-max-scatter-slot

Booming Games has launched Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter, a new online slot released on 16 July 2026 from the supplier’s Malta base. The title is the second game in its Max Scatter series and uses a 6×4 grid with Scatter Pays, cascading wins and a stated maximum win potential of 15,000x.

The game pays when eight or more of the same symbol land. Winning symbols are removed and remaining symbols cascade down, with new symbols dropping in until no further wins are formed.

Free Spins are triggered by landing four or more Scatter symbols, including Scatters and Max Scatters, awarding 10 Free Spins. During the bonus, Random Multipliers can appear with values from 2x to 100x and remain active until the cascade sequence ends, after which multiplier values are combined and applied to the total win. Three or more Scatter symbols during Free Spins add five additional spins, while the feature ends if the max win is awarded.

Booming Games also includes Bonus Buy options priced at 100x the bet amount and a “Super Buy Bonus” at 500x, which the company says offers multipliers from 15x to 100x. A BOOST+ option increases the bet by 25% and increases the chance of triggering bonus features.

Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, said: “Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter is a great example of how we’re innovating within one of our top performing franchises. By adding exciting new Max Scatter mechanics to one of our most popular slots, we are confident the game will appeal to players looking for top-quality entertainment and high-stakes gameplay.”

The post Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza Max Scatter slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gaming Realms

Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland

Published

1 hour ago

July 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-realms-launches-slingo-games-with-swiss4win-in-switzerland

Gaming Realms has launched its Slingo portfolio in Switzerland with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano, on 16th July 2026.

The supplier said the agreement is its second operator launch in the Swiss market and extends distribution of its content library through Playtech’s platform.

Swiss4Win.ch players now have access to a selection of titles including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.

Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players.

“Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”

Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, said: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”

The post Gaming Realms launches Slingo games with Swiss4Win in Switzerland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.