iGaming Ontario rolls out BetGuard, a centralized self-exclusion system

For over four years, the Ontario online gaming market has had a fragmented self-exclusion process. That changed this month with the launch of BetGuard. This centralized self-exclusion system now allows players to shut off account access to all online gambling sites within the province through a single platform.

Up until recently, the Heartland Province had a looser structure on self-exclusion. Sites like bet365 Casino, BetMGM, and FanDuel Casino largely determined their own policies on the matter. 

The BetGuard platform now provides players with a centralized location to shut off access to their Ontario online gambling accounts. Gamblers aged 19 and older can self-exclude for a period lasting between 6 months and 5 years.

After using this function, players will be blocked from all existing gambling accounts in Ontario. They also won't be able to open accounts at new online casinos and sportsbooks or receive marketing content from local operators.

This system is similar to what the Alberta online casino market plans to roll out. Gambling sites go live in the Energy Province in mid-July.

All licensed ON online casinos and sportsbooks have to integrate with the BetGuard platform. This means having more intensive systems for identifying customers and enforcing exclusions across their online gambling verticals. They'll also need to make sure that marketing content doesn't go out to excluded players.

The Ontario market features nearly 80 operators to date, some of which may need to invest significant effort into complying with the new responsible gambling measures. 

Others, like DraftKings Casino, have been implementing complex player exclusion systems for years. Gaming sites like these won't need to put in as much effort to comply with iGaming Ontario.

Like many jurisdictions, Ontario has a problem with offshore competition. But by continually improving player protections, it's differentiating its online casino real money market from unregulated sites.

BetGuard's reach across the entire regulated Ontario online gambling landscape assures problem players that they'll be protected. Gamblers can log into one system and prevent access to every licensed gaming and betting vertical throughout the province.

Meanwhile, offshore operators often have weak player protections or sometimes none at all. They may even encourage excluded players to use their platforms and work around local regulations and safeguards.

Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET. 

Jeremy Olson