Self Exclusion From Ontario Casinos - From Days to Years
Being able to take short breaks from your online gaming is one way to prevent problem gambling. Most sites will have self assessment quizzes and questionnaires that you can take if you're unsure whether a habit is developing. These can help indicate whether you need a temporary pause or a more serious approach.
Short Term Breaks (up to 3 months)
If you're looking to take a short break in play you can use the "short term break" option which is available. Users can choose whether to set the duration for one day, one week, one month, two months or a three month break. Once you've initiated the short term break you will not be able to deposit any funds until the break is complete.
To set this up, you need to log into your casino account and see how the responsible gambling tools function. Some sites allow you to manage everything from your account, but others require activation via customer support.
Once you've determined which course of action is appropriate for you, all you have to do is follow the instructions provided. AGCO licensed casinos are required to have responsible gambling tools in place to reduce the risk of gambling harm.
Self Exclusion at iGaming Sites (up to 5 years)
Since February 2023 there has been a self-exclusion program provided for players at all AGCO licensed iGaming sites[1]. These must be clearly displayed and easily accessed. Players have the option to self-exclude for six months, one year or five years.
Each casino has their own process for self-excluding. For permanent exclusion this is usually requested via customer support and is activated within 24 hours.
OLG has My PlayBreak[2] which is their own tool that allows players to take a break from the site. When you use this tool you also take a break from Charitable Gaming Centres and you won't be able to visit any Ontario casino or play on OLG. MyPlayBreak also allows you to opt out of promotions and advertisements meaning that all communications will be paused. This option is available from 1 day to 3 months.
Help Reduce Gambling Harm Through RG Tools Like Self Exclusion
Whatever option you choose, you should be aware that you won't be able to access your account until your exclusion period has ended.
It's also worth noting any remaining balance on your account may not be refunded if you enrol in any self-exclusion program. As such, you may wish to withdraw any remaining funds before activating your break.
This will be clearly stated as you complete the process and before finalizing your timeout. You'll also be provided with information about the process of how to return to your gameplay once the exclusion period ends.
There will be resources available and information on support organizations where you'll find help should you need it while taking a break. Ontario casinos are required to provide responsible gambling information and treat responsible gambling as a priority.
Can I Remove Myself From All iGaming Sites in Ontario at Once?
A centralized self-exclusion system for Ontario iGaming is due to launch in 2026. This CSE will allow players to self-exclude from all their gambling accounts with regulated operators from one central location.
While all the licensed online casinos and sportsbooks have responsible gambling tools in place including PlaySmart (OLG's responsible gambling program), until the CSE is launched, there isn't a single system to permanently remove yourself from all gambling sites yet.
iGO is in the process of developing a centralized self exclusion program that will allow players to register for self exclusion from all regulated websites in Ontario. The AGCO enforces responsible gambling requirements through its iGaming regulations. Operators face AGCO fines if they fail to support self-exclusion.
The UK has GAMSTOP, a free service, that will block you from setting up any gambling accounts and it can be activated for 6 months up to 5 years. There's also SENSE which is a self-exclusion scheme for the British casino industry. Ontario doesn't have anything in place yet, but iGO is developing a centralized self-exclusion program that will allow players to register for self-exclusion from all regulated igaming sites in Ontario[3].
Until the centralized self-exclusion system launches, you can use blocking tools and apps such as Bet Blocker[4] which is a free app that will block access to gambling sites and is commonly used for this purpose.
Get Help When You Need It
Should you ever feel like your online casino gameplay is no longer entertaining and is having an impact on your life, support is available. There are links to support organizations such as ConnexOntario on every licensed iGaming site in Ontario.
Sources
- Self-Exclusion and Breaks in Play | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario - agco.ca
- My PlayBreak | Learn More About Gambling Self-Exclusion in Ontario | OLG.ca - olg.ca
- Coming Soon: iGaming Ontario to request proposals for a centralized self-exclusion solution in early 2024 | iGaming Ontario - igamingontario.ca
- BetBlocker - betblocker.org
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