Published on: May 27, 2026, 07:36h.

Updated on: May 27, 2026, 07:36h.

• Ontario’s self-exclusion initiative launched on May 14
• BetGuard covers all iGaming platforms within Ontario’s regulated environment, including OLG’s services
• BetGuard notifies operators to refrain from direct marketing to those who have opted out

Just two weeks post-launch, over 500 individuals have registered for BetGuard, the centralized self-exclusion platform for Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, as reported by industry sources.

Access Restrictions

BetGuard serves as a dedicated site where individuals aged 19 and older can easily opt out of online gambling in just a few minutes, eliminating the need to log in to each individual iGaming site.

This centralized registry guarantees that all 77 gaming platforms operated by 44 licensed iGaming providers in the province, along with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s Proline service, will promptly exclude individuals utilizing BetGuard. Players will be barred from accessing current accounts, opening new accounts, or receiving marketing communications from any regulated iGaming entities in Ontario.

Users can voluntarily opt out of online gambling for a duration of six months, one year, five years, or a custom timeline.

44 Licensed iGaming Providers in Ontario

Every licensed iGaming operator in Ontario is mandated to promote BetGuard, in addition to their own self-exclusion strategies. They are also required to highlight BetGuard wherever they discuss responsible gambling on their platforms.

As registration continues to grow, questions may arise regarding the effectiveness of this initiative in minimizing gambling-related harm, along with the metrics iGaming Ontario will employ to evaluate its success.

Brittany Dale, Director of Business Transformation and Program Delivery at iGaming Ontario, stated that the organization will analyze various factors, such as the duration for which individuals choose to opt out, renewal rates, and those who forget about BetGuard versus those who choose to reinstate.

Tool for Responsible Gambling

She emphasized the importance of supporting individuals while they take a break from gambling.

“BetGuard is one of several tools,” explained Joseph Hillier, President and CEO of iGaming Ontario. “While it is a significant resource, it may not satisfy every need for every player. One of our goals is to understand BetGuard’s role within the broader ecosystem.”

They will monitor who utilizes the BetGuard website to access additional responsible gambling resources, such as connections to Connex Ontario for mental health, addiction, and gambling support through a customer care hotline accessible via the homepage. The BetGuard site also features direct links to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Credit Canada, which provides credit counseling.

“We will soon share more on how we can further enhance responsible gaming initiatives,” added Hillier.