Ontario's regulated online gambling market just got a powerful new safeguard. BetGuard, the province's centralized self-exclusion tool, officially launched this month — and it's the most significant responsible gaming development since the open market opened in 2022.
If you've ever wanted to take a break from every regulated Ontario casino at once — without having to visit each site individually — BetGuard does exactly that. One application, one portal, and you're locked out of all 75+ regulated igaming sites operating in the province.
How BetGuard Works
Head to BetGuard.ca, complete a short online form, and choose your exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or a custom term. Once you're in the system, registered operators are required to prevent you from accessing existing accounts, opening new ones, and receiving any marketing communications.
It's a one-stop self-exclusion — and it's available to anyone aged 19 and older in Ontario, whether you're currently playing or just want to have a plan in place before you start.
Why This Matters for Ontario Players
Before BetGuard, a player who wanted to self-exclude had to contact each casino and sportsbook individually. That friction discouraged people from following through — and some simply moved from site to site instead. BetGuard removes that loophole entirely.
The tool covers every igaming website in Ontario's regulated market, including OLG's digital offerings. Operators who fail to honour an active BetGuard exclusion face regulatory consequences under the AGCO's Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming.
"Centralized self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools we have in gambling harm prevention," said Sarah McCarthy, CEO 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."
The Numbers Behind Ontario's Regulated Market
BetGuard arrives at a moment when Ontario's igaming sector is showing strong, sustained growth. The latest data from iGaming Ontario shows the market generated more than $4.2 billion in gaming revenue from over $103 billion in total wagering activity during its fourth year (April 2025–March 2026). That's a lot of action — and with scale comes heightened responsibility.
The province has also invested heavily in the ecosystem supporting it. Since 2018, the Ontario government has directed more than $421 million toward gambling-related public education, responsible gaming support, awareness campaigns, and research — with BetGuard being the latest concrete output of that commitment.
Who Else Is Behind BetGuard
The launch drew support from across the gambling harm prevention ecosystem. Stan Cho, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, called it "an important step forward in helping people play safely and responsibly." ConnexOntario, which runs the province's 24/7 mental health and addictions helpline, endorsed the tool as a valuable early-intervention resource. The Canadian Gaming Association called it "an integral component of Ontario's comprehensive player protection framework."
"As Ontario's 24/7 helpline for mental health and addictions, ConnexOntario sees every day how important timely support options are," said Nerin Kaur, Executive Director of ConnexOntario. "BetGuard adds a valuable new resource for anyone 19+ who wants to step back from regulated online gambling. We support efforts like BetGuard that can help people make changes earlier and reach the right help at the right time."
What This Means for You
If you're an Ontario player who sometimes wonders "should I take a break?" — BetGuard gives you an actual tool to do it, and to do it comprehensively. It's not just for people who feel they have a problem; it's for anyone who wants to exercise real control over their gambling activity across the entire regulated market in one step.
You can learn more and enroll at BetGuard.ca. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, ConnexOntario is available 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BetGuard available now?
Yes. BetGuard officially launched in May 2026 and is active at BetGuard.ca.
Does BetGuard cover all Ontario casinos?
BetGuard covers all igaming websites regulated by iGaming Ontario, including OLG's digital products — over 75 sites in total.
How long does the self-exclusion last?
You can choose 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or a custom term when you sign up.
Can I reverse my self-exclusion early?
Exclusion periods are designed to be meaningful. Early reinstatement requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
Is BetGuard only for people with gambling problems?
Not at all. BetGuard is for anyone 19+ who wants to step back from online gambling — whether for a short break or a longer period. It's a preventive tool, not a last resort.