Ontario residents can now block themselves from every regulated online gambling platform in the province through a single self-exclusion system launched Thursday (May 14).
The new service, called BetGuard, is available to people aged 19 and older and covers all provincially regulated operators, including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s online products. Instead of visiting multiple gambling sites separately, users can complete the process through one standalone portal.
According to iGaming Ontario, anyone who signs up through BetGuard will lose access to existing gambling accounts, be prevented from opening new accounts, and stop receiving direct marketing from regulated operators for the length of their exclusion period.
The province says the system is part of a broader effort to strengthen consumer protections as Ontario’s online gambling market continues growing.
“BetGuard is designed with one simple principle in mind: if you need take a break from the entire regulated igaming market, you can,” said iGaming Ontario President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Hillier. “Player choice is key to the sustainability of our market, and that includes the choice to opt out.”
Users can choose exclusion periods lasting six months, one year, five years, or a customized timeframe.
Responsible gambling efforts continue expanding in Ontario as self-exclusion system launches
Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission first introduced new standards requiring a centralized self-exclusion system last year, laying the groundwork for BetGuard’s rollout across the regulated market. Officials say the province worked with operators, regulators, and responsible gambling specialists while building the platform.
Internationally, Britain’s Gamstop program recently passed 500,000 registered users. Meanwhile, Denmark’s ROFUS system has also become one of Europe’s most established national self-exclusion registries, allowing users to temporarily or permanently block gambling access.
Ontario officials say regulated markets are better equipped to offer those protections than unlicensed gambling sites operating outside provincial oversight.
“The Ontario government is committed to responsible gambling,” said Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the launch of BetGuard is an important step forward in helping people play safely and responsibly across more than 75 regulated sites.”
Industry organizations and addiction support groups also welcomed the launch, describing centralized exclusion systems as one of the strongest available harm-reduction measures.
“Centralized self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools we have in gambling harm prevention,” said Sarah McCarthy, chief executive officer of the Responsible Gambling Council. “BetGuard’s launch is a meaningful step forward for Ontario and reflects the kind of cross-sector collaboration that makes regulated markets work for players and communities.”
“As Ontario’s 24/7 helpline for mental health and addictions, ConnexOntario sees every day how important timely support options are,” said Executive Director Nerin Kaur. “BetGuard adds a valuable new resource for anyone 19+ who wants to step back from regulated online gambling.”
Ontario’s regulated online gaming market generated $262 million in revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The provincial government says it has invested more than $421 million since 2018 into gambling education, research, awareness campaigns, and responsible gaming initiatives.
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