iGaming Ontario to Roll Out Centralised Self-exclusion System; BetGuard

iGaming Ontario is set to introduce a centralised self-exclusion system across its regulated market, with a full launch scheduled for May.

The platform, BetGuard, was unveiled on 15 April at the Responsible Gambling Council Discovery conference by iGaming Ontario President and CEO Joseph Hillier.

BetGuard enables players to submit a single request to self-exclude across all licensed operators simultaneously. This includes all 82 operators regulated by iGaming Ontario, as well as digital products offered by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Previously, users were required to complete the self-exclusion process individually with each operator.

The system has been developed over several years in collaboration with Integrity Compliance 360 and Dataworks. Once registered, a player’s exclusion is applied across all participating platforms in real time, with no expected delay.

Under the new framework, operator participation is mandatory. Any player registered through BetGuard will be blocked from accessing all licensed sportsbooks and online casinos in Ontario.

Individual operators will continue to maintain their own self-exclusion tools, with the central system designed to complement rather than replace existing measures.

Security and verification are central to the rollout. BetGuard uses KYC checks to confirm player identity before exclusions are enforced, with data transmitted via encrypted channels between the central system and operators. The framework aligns with standards set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Ontario’s iGaming market continues to grow

Ontario’s regulated iGaming market now exceeds 1.3 million active accounts, with 86.4% of players using licensed platforms rather than grey-market sites.

Hillier also highlighted ongoing discussions with officials in Alberta, where a regulated market is being prepared. One proposal under review is the introduction of shared self-exclusion records between provinces.

If implemented, a player excluded in Ontario would remain excluded when accessing platforms in Alberta, and vice versa.

Technical guidance for operators is expected shortly ahead of the May launch window, with integration work already underway across the market.