GamStop has released a detailed breakdown of self-exclusion registrations in the North East of England, aiming to encourage local collaboration on gambling harm prevention. The data, presented as a regional 'heatmap,' gives authorities and researchers a closer look at where demand for self-exclusion is highest and where support services may be most needed.
Regional Findings Show Elevated Registration Rates
According to GamStop, nearly 33,000 residents in the North East were registered with its self-exclusion service as of December 2025. All 12 local authority districts in the region recorded registration rates above the national average of 1.1%. Hartlepool led with a rate of 2.32%, followed by Middlesbrough at 2.13%, Redcar and Cleveland at 1.96%, and South Tyneside at 1.94%. Other areas, including Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Darlington, Gateshead, and County Durham, also posted rates above the national benchmark. Even the lowest rates in the region, such as Newcastle upon Tyne at 1.46% and Northumberland at 1.33%, remained higher than the national average.
Data Aims to Drive Local Action
GamStop's initiative was launched at the 'Real Voices, Real Harm, Real Change' event in Newcastle upon Tyne, which brought together public health practitioners, local authorities, and those with lived experience of gambling harm. The event also marked the release of a series of films co-produced by the ADPH North East Gambling Harms Programme and members of the North East Gambling Harms Lived Experience Forum.
By sharing localised data, GamStop seeks to encourage stronger partnerships between gambling harm prevention services and public health professionals. The organisation believes that improved cooperation can help people affected by gambling harms access support earlier and more effectively.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The release of detailed regional self-exclusion data has several implications for operators, affiliates, and regulators. For operators, the information highlights areas where responsible gambling measures and support services may need to be strengthened. Affiliates and suppliers can use the data to better understand local market dynamics and tailor messaging around safer gambling. For regulators and public health bodies, the data provides a foundation for more targeted interventions and resource allocation.
However, GamStop notes that self-exclusion registrations do not directly measure the prevalence of gambling harm, nor do they indicate whether harm is rising or falling. The figures are intended as a starting point for assessing local support needs rather than a definitive assessment of gambling-related problems.
Key takeaways
- GamStop released a regional heatmap showing high self-exclusion rates in North East England.
- All 12 local authorities in the region exceeded the national average for registrations.
- The data is intended to encourage collaboration between local authorities, public health, and support services.
- Figures serve as a starting point for local action, not a direct measure of gambling harm.