Ontario has launched a centralized self-exclusion system for online gambling, giving players a single tool to step away from every regulated igaming platform in the province.
iGaming Ontario introduced BetGuard on behalf of the provincial government. The new system applies to all regulated online gambling operators in Ontario, including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s online services. Residents aged 19 and older can register voluntarily and block themselves from participating across the entire regulated market.
Once enrolled through BetGuard.ca, individuals lose access to their current gambling accounts and cannot create new ones on regulated sites while the exclusion remains active. The system also prevents participating operators from sending promotional and marketing materials to registered users.
Province Expands Responsible Gambling Measures
Participants can choose exclusion periods lasting six months, one year, five years, or request a customized timeframe. Officials said the measure strengthens Ontario’s responsible gambling standards as the province’s online gaming sector continues to expand.
“BetGuard is designed with one simple principle in mind: if you need take a break from the entire regulated igaming market, you can,” said iGaming Ontario president and CEO Joseph Hillier.“Player choice is key to the sustainability of our market, and that includes the choice to opt out.”
According to iGaming Ontario, the platform was developed in consultation with provincial authorities, licensed gambling operators, and specialists in responsible gaming practices.
Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, described the launch as an important addition to the province’s consumer protection measures.
“The Ontario government is committed to responsible gambling. As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the launch of BetGuard is an important step forward in helping people play safely and responsibly across more than 75 regulated sites,” Cho said.
He added: “Strong regulation, paired with tools like BetGuard, ensures Ontario’s iGaming sector continues to put player health and safety first.”
Industry and Advocacy Groups Support Launch
Organizations involved in gambling regulation and player protection also welcomed the rollout of the province-wide system.
Responsible Gambling Council CEO Sarah McCarthy said centralized exclusion programs provide an effective safeguard for players experiencing gambling-related harm.
“Centralized self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools we have in gambling harm prevention. BetGuard’s launch is a meaningful step forward for Ontario and reflects the kind of cross-sector collaboration that makes regulated markets work for players and communities,” McCarthy stated.
The Canadian Gaming Association also endorsed the initiative, saying operators across the province are prepared to apply the new process within their operations.
“The Canadian Gaming Association welcomes the introduction of BetGuard, recognizing it as an integral component of Ontario’s comprehensive player protection framework,” said association president and CEO Paul Burns.
“Our members are committed to implementing this tool in their day-to-day operations, ensuring that any player who chooses to take a break can do so instantly and completely. This is regulated gaming delivering on its promise.”
Ontario became one of North America’s largest regulated online gambling markets after opening the sector to private operators in 2022. The launch of BetGuard marks another step in the province’s efforts to build a unified responsible gaming framework that applies across all licensed operators.
Source:
“iGaming Ontario is pleased to announce the launch of BetGuard”, linkedin.com, May 15, 2026
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