Published on: December 19, 2025, at 10:56 AM.
Updated on: December 19, 2025, at 11:29 AM.
- Joseph Hillier, President and CEO of iGaming Ontario, announces a new centralized self-exclusion initiative set for early 2026
- AGCO revises gaming regulations in advance of CSE rollout
One of the primary objectives on Joseph Hillier’s agenda since taking the helm as president and CEO of iGaming Ontario in August has been the successful launch of the industry’s Centralized Self-Exclusion (CSE) Program.
In a recent extensive interview with Casino.org conducted at his Toronto office, Hillier revealed that the anticipated launch of a systems where players in Ontario can voluntarily withdraw from all licensed iGaming platforms via a simplified process is projected for the first half of 2026.
This new approach will eliminate the need for players to self-exclude on multiple platforms and will ensure consistent player protections across the entire environment.
Long-Awaited Initiative
“Everyone agrees that this system has been long overdue, and we’re making significant progress,” remarked Hillier. “Over the last few months, we’ve focused on development and collaborated with operators for effective integration. We are quite confident we will debut a public-facing system in the upcoming year.”
The rollout of the CSE Program has been highly anticipated since August 2024, when iGaming Ontario selected a collaborative proposal from Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and IXUP to create the framework. IC360’s expertise in betting integrity, showcased through ProhiBet, combined with IXUP’s success with BetStop in Australia, underpins the program’s foundation, as previously stated by iGaming Ontario.
AGCO Revises Standards for Gaming
“Presently, each operator in Ontario manages its own self-exclusion policy, providing a solid safety mechanism for players,” Hillier noted. “However, this new system will act as an overlay, giving players the ability to access a single platform for self-exclusion across the entire industry. It’s a pivotal step towards fulfilling our commitments to responsible gambling.”
Hillier emphasized that a centralized framework will assure operators that once a player opts to self-exclude, they are entirely excluded, which is particularly critical for those facing crisis situations.
$9.33 Billion Staked in November
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) recently unveiled adjustments to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming as it gears up for the centralized program launch. A new CSE standard (2.14.1) was introduced, outlining the guidelines for regulated operators and iGaming Ontario to follow once the system is active.
The robust Ontario iGaming sector reported over CA$9.33 billion in cash wagers in November, featuring 48 licensed operators and 82 gaming websites, with even more on the horizon, Hillier mentioned. Some operators may exit the market as it matures, but others are expected to enter.
Focus on Alberta
Additionally, the industry is looking westward toward Alberta, which plans to launch its own regulated iGaming market modeled after Ontario’s in 2026. Hillier noted that operators are showing considerable interest in entering this emerging market.
“We’ve always been open to discussions with Alberta, sharing insights gained and exploring areas for collaboration,” said Hillier. “It’s beneficial for our markets to communicate. Ultimately, Alberta will need to make decisions tailored to its own market conditions, but we are eager to share valuable lessons, such as our centralized self-exclusion framework.”
Leveraging interprovincial liquidity will be a significant focus when Alberta launches, he indicated.
Regarding Bill S-241
Bill S-241, championed by Senator Scott Tannas, aims to modify the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, granting First Nations the unique authority to operate and manage gaming activities on their territories. The Indigenous gaming landscape has previously been under provincial regulation. This bill is currently progressing through Parliament and may have substantial implications for Ontario’s gaming environment.
“We are closely monitoring this situation and assessing its potential impacts, just as we do with any federal legislation. We would generally defer to the Ontario government regarding their strategy on such matters,” Hillier stated.
On Prediction Markets
This past Friday, the U.S. iGaming space created buzz with DraftKings launching its prediction market app, regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). While prediction markets like Polymarket are currently prohibited in Ontario, DraftKings’ entry, along with pro sports leagues like the NHL forming partnerships with prediction market platforms and experts forecasting a trillion-dollar market size, raises questions about the future of prediction markets in Ontario.
An industry expert expressed skepticism about the implications for Ontario, citing the diverse sports betting platforms available in the province. Ontario imposes no limit on the number of operators entering the market.
“Regarding our role in overseeing the gaming sector, it’s still a matter of waiting to see how this unfolds,” the expert asserted. “Ultimately, discussions will need to take place with the government regarding these developments. As we monitor these changes and their impact on both operators and players, it’s vital to understand the ramifications.”
Anticipating 2026
Hillier shared that his experience at the G2E conference in Las Vegas in October was enlightening, particularly after engaging with 16 operators eager to enter the Ontario market. He emphasized the goal of enhancing partnerships with operators by focusing on advances in technology, especially concerning centralized self-exclusion and anti-money laundering efforts. iGaming Ontario is exploring automation options, including the use of AI to alleviate some of the reporting challenges for licensed operators, Hillier revealed.
“I am committed to refining our regulatory framework to ensure that our operators can maintain a manageable cost of compliance, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and minimize burdens, enabling them to flourish in the market,” Hillier concluded. “This remains my top priority.”