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GAMSTOP reports surge in self-exclusion amongst under-25s

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  • 31% increase in 16-24-olds registering with national online self-exclusion scheme
  • GAMSTOP heat map reveals UK postcodes with highest percentages of registration

GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has reported a 31% year-on-year increase in under-25s registering with the service in the second half of 2024.

Consumers aged 16-24 now account for nearly one in four (24%) of new GAMSTOP registrants, a significant trend in a record year for the self-exclusion service, which featured major global sporting events including the Euros and the Olympics.

With a 14% year-on-year increase, the second half of 2024 saw record volumes, as well as bucking the usual trend of higher registrations in the first half of the year.

In total, 532,484 people have registered with GAMSTOP between its launch in April 2018 and December 31st, 2024, which equates to over 1% of the adult UK population.

GAMSTOP has for the first time analysed detailed data to provide a regional breakdown of registration, which will help local authorities to target their services. The postcode area with the highest proportion of GAMSTOP registrants is Hull (HU), equating to 1.5% of the local population, followed by Teesside (TS) and Sunderland (SR) on 1.4%, with Doncaster and Blackpool also in the top five for self-exclusions.

In the second half of 2024, nearly half of GAMSTOP registrants (48%) signed up for a five-year exclusion – the longest timeframe available. Consumers can also choose to self-exclude for shorter periods of six months or one year.

Last month, GAMSTOP introduced a new ‘5 years with auto-renewal’ exclusion, for vulnerable consumers looking to extend their exclusion from gambling websites and apps. The new 5 -year auto-renewal option was developed in direct response to feedback from users.

Fiona Palmer, CEO of GAMSTOP, said: “The increase in the number of under-25s registering for GAMSTOP has become an accelerating trend, with a 31% year-on-year increase in the second half of 2024, following a 12% increase in the first half of the year. There is a clear need for targeted education and support aimed at this group which is why we continue to put so much emphasis on collaborating with Ygam and Gamcare reaching out to students. We go to where they are to ensure they are aware of tools, such as self-exclusion, which can help to prevent gambling harm.

GAMSTOP allows vulnerable consumers to take a break from gambling and we want to raise awareness of the service amongst those who need it most. Our detailed regional data has highlighted the postcodes where self-exclusion has been most widely adopted, and we hope this will help local authorities and other bodies to target appropriate support in the areas where the need is greatest”.

The post GAMSTOP reports surge in self-exclusion amongst under-25s appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens”

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A chaotic jungle journey with big, bad foes and insane riches.

Welcome to the jungle, where Shoot Happens! Face your opponent, take aim, and fire your way to riches.

ELA Games unveils its boldest title to date, a combination of decision-making and narrative progression where every shot counts.

In Shoot Happens, you’re not just a player. You’re the main character who has to fend off waves of increasingly dangerous (and valuable) monsters. Armed with 3 shots per round, you’ll need precision and calm nerves to take down the reward and add it to your Winpot. Hit the target for riches. Miss… and it’s back to the beginning.

The Choice Is Yours

Each round is in the hands of the player. Do you cash out now? Or keep slashing through the jungle for bigger and better rewards? Decision-making, timing, and a whole load of guts go a long way.

Expect the Unexpected

Random projectile bonuses can appear in any round, boosting your rewards massively. And just when you thought your journey through the treacherous jungle was over, the final boss appears. While the other monsters may have been a piece of cake, he doesn’t stay down. Each time you defeat him, he respawns for juicier and recurring payouts. Keep going as long as you can handle it, and you might walk out as the top dog of the jungle.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the game’s release, “With Shoot Happens, the team ventured outside of conventional game formats, and we wanted to give players a super engaging experience where they’re in control. This title is a bold approach to game design in this industry, as we’re empowering players with choice and enriching the gameplay experience with strong visuals, narratives, and plenty of replayability.”

Play how you want. The Winpot is yours

Shoot Happens is the perfect blend of fast-paced action, bold decision-making, and interactive gameplay. Whether you’re a cautious player or a complete daredevil, the game is an enticing experience for all.

How deep into the jungle are you willing to go?

The post Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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American Gaming Association

AGA Research Reveals Consumers Know Sweepstakes Casinos are Gambling

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As gaming regulators, state Attorneys General, and state legislatures continue to scrutinize the business practices of online “sweepstakes” casinos, new research shows that consumers overwhelmingly use these platforms to gamble – and that sweepstakes operators are heavily targeting players in key states. By exploiting loopholes in the law, these operations undermine the integrity of the legal, regulated gaming marketplace.

According to Sensor Tower data compiled by the American Gaming Association (AGA), half of all online, real-money casino advertisements seen by consumers in early 2025 promoted offshore “sweepstakes” casinos. The data shows these unregulated operators concentrate their advertising in populous states.

“These operators present themselves like legal, regulated platforms – but they operate outside the law and regulation. There are few if any responsible gaming tools, no regulatory oversight, and no consumer protections. It’s a dangerous subterfuge that puts players at real risk,” said AGA Vice President of Government Relations, Tres York.

Despite operating outside the regulated gaming market, “sweepstakes” casinos are widely perceived by players as gambling platforms, with 68% of users saying their primary reason for playing is to win real money. This confusion is no accident – many of these sites mimic the look, feel, and language of legal operators, blurring the line for consumers and reinforcing the need for clearer enforcement and public education.

Key findings include:

• 90% of sweepstakes casino users consider the activity to be gambling.

• 69% describe sweepstakes casinos as places to wager real money.

• 80% of sweepstakes players spend monthly, and nearly half spend weekly, without the safety nets offered by regulated operators.

The number of monthly sweepstakes casino players is twice as high in states lacking sweepstakes prohibitions.

“Sweepstakes” casinos aggressively market on popular digital platforms throughout the country. Legal, regulated gaming operators, by contrast, advertise responsibly in legal states where consumer protections and regulatory oversight are in place.

“The data is clear. Consumers see right through the ‘sweepstakes’ casino facade and they’re calling it what it is: gambling. We look forward to policymakers continuing to enforce their laws and create clarity through new policy measures to protect their residents,” added York.

The post AGA Research Reveals Consumers Know Sweepstakes Casinos are Gambling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Compliance Updates

MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Six Illegal Gambling Sites Targeting Michigan Players

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to six unlicensed online gambling platforms attempting to target Michigan residents without state authorization. The action underscores the MGCB’s relentless, ongoing efforts to shut down illegal gambling operations and protect Michigan consumers from financial risk, identity theft, and unfair play.

The targeted sites—Crypto Slots, NitroBetting, NewVegas, Las Vegas USA Casino, Grand Rush Casino, and Slotgard Casino—were found to be operating in violation of Michigan laws that require licensure for internet gaming and sports betting.

“These sites were attempting to exploit Michigan players while operating outside the law. We take this seriously. When unauthorized operators offer games without regulation, Michigan players are left exposed—and we will not tolerate it,” said Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director.

This enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s larger crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms. In recent months, the agency has issued numerous cease-and-desist letters, with additional investigations currently underway.

The MGCB continues to monitor online gaming activity and urges the public to be cautious when engaging with gambling content on social media or through digital advertisements.

The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Orders to Six Illegal Gambling Sites Targeting Michigan Players appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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