GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has announced record registration numbers for the start of the year.

In the biggest daily figures since its inception in 2018, GAMSTOP saw 415 people signing up on January 1^st, followed by 413 new registrants on January 2^nd and 396 on the 6^th – the 3 highest daily registration figures since May 2023.

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

More than half a million people have signed up for GAMSTOP’s services in the years following its launch, with many expressing a desire for longer-term exclusion options. Independent evaluation of the service by Ipsos found that some users are nervous about what happens when they come to the end of their exclusion period and others would have opted for a “lifetime” ban if it had been available.

Currently, at the end of a consumer’s self-exclusion period, the exclusion remains active for up to a further seven years unless they contact GAMSTOP to ask for it to be removed.

Under the new option, consumers who select 5-years with auto-renewal will have their exclusion automatically renewed for an additional 5-year period once the initial term expires. This cycle will continue, providing an ongoing safeguard against gambling participation unless the consumer actively chooses to opt-out of the auto-renewal feature.

For consumers who have opted in to receive emails, GAMSTOP will also begin sending email reminders to those with 5-year exclusions (with or without auto-renewal) every 15 months, helping them stay informed about their upcoming expiration and renewal dates.

The 5-year auto-renewal exclusion option is now available alongside GAMSTOP’s existing 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year exclusion periods. Consumers with a current 5- year exclusion will be able to upgrade it by turning on auto-renewal within their account.

Gamstop Group CEO, Fiona Palmer said:

“We have come a very long way since our launch in April 2018, but our journey doesn’t stop there.

Our goal is to provide consumers with tools and options that empower them to take control of their gambling activity. As such, we’re consistently listening to feedback and evaluating the effectiveness of our service.

Consumers wanted longer exclusion periods and we listened. The introduction of the 5-year auto-renewal exclusion is an important step in ensuring consumers peace of mind when using our service and helping vulnerable consumers take a sustained break from their gambling.”

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is set to excite fans again with the launch of the long-awaited Plinko 2. The game is the latest sequel to the hugely popular Plinko title, which hit virtual shelves in 2019 and has been a mammoth hit for the company, spawning several successful spin-offs.

Like its predecessor, Plinko 2 adopts a classic pachinko setup. Players drop a ball from the top of a pegged pyramid, watching in excitement as it bounces down to land in one of several portals at the bottom, each displaying multiplier prizes. This seamless blend of simple gameplay mechanics and unpredictable, highly rewarding outcomes has solidified the Plinko series as one of the most exciting on the market.

Plinko 2 revitalises the timeless charm of Pachinko, utilising state-of-the-art graphics and customisable gameplay features to provide players with a unique experience. The game boasts a vibrant, engaging interface and uses crisp animations to bring the action to life.

Adding a fresh twist to the traditional format, Plinko 2 allows players to modify their gameplay experience. Players are encouraged to embrace their individuality and enjoy Plinko on their terms, with two game versions available.

If they want to keep things basic, they can enjoy the classic Plinko game in its purest form, but if they want to add extra spice to the action, they can play the enhanced version with the option to activate three new features. Whichever option they choose, they have the chance to land a maximum win of up to 10,000x their stake.

Each of the three bonuses is available for purchase. The multiplier feature will add stretch lines to the game, applying multipliers if the ball moves through them. Not only that, but players are free to move these multipliers to their preferred spot on the playing field. The Multiplier Ball Chance could see balls with a 2x or 4x multiplier loaded, and the Respin Chance feature will add portals that can activate a free spin.

This flexibility extends beyond the bonus features. The game allows players to adjust the number of active lines and risk levels. Anywhere between eight and sixteen lines can be active, while the risk level can be set at low, normal, or high, allowing players to adopt their own strategies when playing the game.

Plinko 2 tops all of this off with a captivating maths model, with the RTP sitting at an impressive 99%, making it an excellent selection for players looking to land big wins.

Julia Aliakseyeva, Chief Product Officer at BGaming, said: “After the overwhelming success of Plinko, we decided to get Plinko 2 into development as soon as our roadmap allowed.

We’ve taken the core elements that made the original a success and enhanced them with innovative features, giving players a unique game that they are free to tailor to their preferences.

When creating Plinko 2, we wanted to emphasize flexibility and customization; by giving players the chance to play the basic version of the game and the enhanced one, we are offering the best of both worlds.”