Ontario has officially launched BetGuard, iGaming Ontario’s new centralized self-exclusion tool for the province’s regulated online gambling market. The platform allows Ontarians to self-exclude from all provincially regulated online sports betting, casino, and poker sites through one process.
Once registered, individuals are blocked from accessing existing regulated online gambling accounts, creating new accounts, and receiving marketing materials from operators. The tool is available in English and French and is designed to make self-exclusion easier for those seeking support.
The Canadian Gaming Association welcomed the launch as an important step for consumer protection in Ontario’s regulated market.
“The Canadian Gaming Association welcomes the introduction of BetGuard, recognizing it as an integral component of Ontario’s comprehensive player protection framework. Our members are committed to implementing this tool in their day-to-day operations, ensuring that any player who chooses to take a break can do so instantly and completely. This is regulated gaming delivering on its promise.” – Paul Burns, President & CEO, CGA
Ontario is the first province in Canada to launch a centralized self-exclusion tool of this kind. The article also notes that Alberta plans to launch a competitive sports betting and iGaming market on July 13, with a centralized self-exclusion system expected to be in place on day one.
More information about BetGuard, including eligibility and registration details, is available here.