Ontario is moving closer to launching a centralized self-exclusion system for online gambling, a long-awaited step that will allow players to block themselves from all regulated platforms through a single process. iGaming Ontario (iGO) , which oversees the province’s commercial iGaming market, expects the system to go live in 2026 after several years of development.
Since Ontario’s regulated market opened in April 2022, it has expanded to roughly 50 operators running more than 80 online gambling sites. Although each operator must already offer its own self-exclusion option, players currently need to register separately with every platform they use. The centralized system aims to replace that fragmented approach.
“I think there’s a recognition that we’re overdue for this system,” said iGO President and CEO Joseph Hillier.
From Multiple Programs To One Registry
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has required operator-level self-exclusion programs since the market’s launch, and those obligations will remain in place. Alongside that, both the AGCO and iGO have mandated participation in the centralized system once it becomes available.
Development of the platform began before Hillier assumed his role in August 2025. iGO selected a joint proposal from Integrity Compliance 360 and DataWorks, the firm formerly known as IXUP that built Australia’s BetStop system.
While iGO does not oversee the government-run Ontario Lottery and Gaming platform, the intention is for all regulated online gambling operators to be included. “Ensuring all operators are participating in this program is critical,” Hillier said. “Ultimately, if we don’t have all the operators included, we don’t have a centralized self-exclusion program.”
Hillier also acknowledged the technical challenges involved, noting that operators use different systems and responsible gambling thresholds. “The data situations of operators could differ very significantly from one to the other, so we’ve really tried to take that direct engagement and one-on-one approach to find what works and what doesn’t,” he said.
New Standards Outline Operator Obligations
To prepare for the launch, the AGCO issued updated guidance on Dec. 18, amending the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. The changes formally define the Centralized Self-Exclusion Program and registry, while assigning iGO responsibility for administering the system.
Under the framework, players will be able to choose exclusion periods of six months, one year, or five years. Operators must prevent excluded players from opening new accounts, stop marketing and promotional messages within 24 hours, log players out immediately, and cancel and refund outstanding wagers and balances, subject to limited exceptions.
The standards also set rules for system outages, requiring operators to pause new registrations if registry checks cannot be completed.
Focus On Protection And Long-Term Stability
Ontario’s approach has influenced other jurisdictions, with Alberta including a centralized self-exclusion requirement in iGaming legislation passed in May 2025. For iGO, the initiative is tied closely to player safety and sustainable market growth.
“This is really a big opportunity to help players to feel more supported in those most critical moments, where they can make informed choices and have tools at their fingertips,” Hillier said. He added: “The technology is robust, we’ve got great vendor partners, and I’m quite confident on the look and feel of it.”
Source:
“iGaming Ontario prepares to launch ‘overdue’ self-exclusion system“, canadiangamingbusiness.com, December 29, 2025
The post Ontario Moves Closer To Centralized Online Gambling Self-Exclusion first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.