Ontario has launched its new centralized self-exclusion tool called BetGuard. The new dedicated central registry for Ontario allows players to opt out of all the regulated gambling sites simultaneously and the platform integrates with all the currently licensed operators and gaming sites that are live in the province.
Ontario Launches Centralized iGaming Self-Exclusion Tool
The launch of the new centralized iGaming self-exclusion tool has been in the works since last year and in May 2026, BetGuard went live.
BetGuard is the iGaming Ontario (iGO) centralized self-exclusion tool for the province and is now live and accessible to all Ontario players. It is a dedicated website that can be accessed by anyone 19 years and older and it can be used to opt out of all the regulated iGaming sites in the province simultaneously without having to visit any of the websites individually.
The new central registry implemented by iGaming Ontario ensures that all the regulated sites (77 at the time of writing), including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's Proline Platform, instantly identify any individuals who have self-excluded.
Signing up with BetGuard and using the self-exclusion tool with valid identification will trigger an immediate province-wide ban across the entire Ontario iGaming market in minutes.
Users can choose to opt out of online gambling for six months, one year, five years, or a custom term, making it easier for individuals to self-exclude from iGaming in Ontario.
The Ontario iGaming market currently has 44 licensed operators and 77 gaming websites as per the iGO official database.
Responsible Play is a Key Focus as the iGaming Market Grows
Joseph Hillier, President and CEO of iGaming Ontario said, "With the growth of a regulated market comes increased responsibility, and that really applies toward our more vulnerable, at-risk populations, some of whom may be challenged to find that right balance with responsible play."
BetGuard has been designed with a simple principle in mind. If players need a break from the entire regulated iGaming market, they can take it with BetGuard.
Individuals can renew or extend their term of self-exclusion, but they can't cancel it or shorten it. The BetGuard has been designed to offer a simple platform that is secure and effective.
Hiller has been focused on balancing growth with player safety and he said it is something he takes very seriously. "We fundamentally do have that dual mandate, as the agency responsible for conducting and managing iGaming in the province."
He also sent on to say, "The success of the market is really a reflection of that not-so-secret sauce, right touch regulation and appropriate revenue share rate, and the space that we've given operators to innovate and compete. But equally important, of course, is ensuring that our player base is sustainable and has access to all the tools they need to make their personal choices to achieve that balanced, safer play. BetGuard is just the beginning for us."
Ontario Responsible Gambling and Education
The promotion of BetGuard and responsible gambling is something that will be part of Ontario's responsible gambling framework.
The Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns said, "Obviously it has been a very successful marketplace, partly due to the conditions in which has created one very healthy, competitive market with innovation, but also delivering on the standards of building responsible play."
He also said, "I think that's something that we keep insisting upon operators, making sure that they're building that into the DNA of the business. And I think we've seen that with Ontario operators, partly from the structure that's created, the responsibility iGO has placed on operators to make sure it's a priority.
Responsible gambling in Ontario is ongoing and this includes talking about youth gambling, encouraging responsible play, and educating individuals.
About BetGuard
With BetGuard, users will create an account, confirm their identity using a valid government photo ID and facial recognition, and then select how long they want to opt out. The process has been made as easy as possible.
BetGuard is separate from individual casino operator self-exclusion programs. When individuals use BetGuard they opt out of all regulated gambling websites and apps in Ontario including any that may launch in the future while the self-exclusion period is active.
BetGuard is free of charge but users must be 19 or older and have a valid government photo ID.
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