Coroner Calls for National Lottery Gamstop Changes After Gambling Death

The UK Gambling Commission is reviewing National Lottery self-exclusion rules. This decision comes after Coroner Emma Whitting raised concerns that people registered with Gamstop can still play lottery draw games online.

Whitting’s warning follows an inquest into the death of 54-year-old Steve Goff. Goff had registered with Gamstop but continued to gamble through National Lottery products and unlicensed gambling websites.

Coroner Emma Whitting has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Gambling Commission and Gamstop, warning that the existing arrangements could leave people who have chosen to self exclude, still exposed to potential gambling harm.

The Commission has confirmed it is working with National Lottery operator Allwyn and Gamstop to consider possible changes. Though, no new requirements have been announced yet.

Coroner Raises Concerns Following Gambling Related Death

Mr Goff, from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, died in August 2025 after experiencing gambling related difficulties over a period of several years.

According to law firm Leigh Day, which represents his family, he registered with Gamstop in 2024 in an effort to stop gambling online.

However, he remained able to access unlicensed gambling websites and National Lottery draw games.  His final bank payment, made two days before his death, was to the National Lottery Draw.

At an inquest held at Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner's Court on 7 July 2026, the coroner concluded that his death had been caused by Gambling Disorder. In her subsequent Prevention of Future Deaths report, Coroner Emma Whitting highlighted the fact that registering with Gamstop does not automatically prevent someone from participating in National Lottery draw games online.

Instead, consumers must separately self-exclude through the National Lottery itself. The coroner warned that this distinction could allow people who have already taken steps to stop gambling to continue participating in National Lottery draws.

Why Is the National Lottery Excluded From Gamstop?

The distinction between National Lottery draw games and other forms of online gambling dates back to March 2020. It was at this point that participation in Gamstop became mandatory for licensed online gambling operators.

The Gambling Commission introduced the requirement to allow consumers to exclude themselves from multiple gambling websites through a single registration. As opposed to the previous method of contacting each operator individually.

However, the regulator made an exception for draw based lottery games, including Lotto and EuroMillions.

At the time, it explained that online Instant Win Games offered by lottery operators would be covered by Gamstop. Lower risk, draw based games would remain available.

The rationale for this decision was that online Instant Win games provide immediate results. This in turn allows customers to play repeatedly in a short period. Traditional lottery draws take place at scheduled intervals. So, they do not offer the same continuous opportunities to gamble.

Alongside this, the Gambling Commission has previously recognised that draw based National Lottery games have particularly low rates of problem gambling. In January 2020, the regulator stated that National Lottery draw games had a problem gambling rate of 1%. This was the lowest among the products it considered at the time.

Gambling Commission Reviewing Possible Changes

The Gambling Commission has confirmed that it is working with Allwyn Entertainment Limited and Gamstop. Together, they will consider how the coroner's concerns could be addressed.

According to Leigh Day, the regulator has begun a discovery phase expected to conclude within 12 months. After this, it will decide whether further action is necessary.

For now, consumers wishing to exclude themselves from National Lottery draws must continue to use the operator's separate arrangements. Even if they have already registered with Gamstop.