iGaming Ontario Moves Forward With Autonomous Self-Exclusion Program

iGaming Ontario (iGO), the agency overseeing online gaming and betting in the province, has concluded its search for a provider to develop a new self-exclusion system — a major step toward stronger player protection.

On Thursday, iGO announced that it had chosen a joint proposal from Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and IXUP to create this first-of-its-kind centralized system in North America.

• IC360 is a global consultancy and technology firm specializing in integrity and compliance solutions for gaming, sports, and betting.

• IXUP Limited is recognized for its advanced encryption technology that ensures secure data sharing and analysis.

• IXUP also manages Australia’s BetStop self-exclusion registry, giving the project strong credibility and expectations for success.

iGaming Ontario's Executive Director, Martha Otton, highlighted the project’s significance:

“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the existing player protections in Ontario. With IC360’s tech-driven expertise in betting integrity through ProhiBet and IXUP’s proven success with BetStop in Australia, we are confident they will help us build a robust self-exclusion system for Ontarians who decide to take a short- or long-term break from gambling.”

Despite Ontario’s thriving iGaming market — which saw $18.4 billion in wagers in Q2 2024 — a centralized self-exclusion framework has been missing until now. The new system will address this by offering players an easy way to protect themselves from problem gambling.

The request for proposals (RFP) process began in March, with iGO seeking a software-as-a-service (SaaS) partner to simplify the self-exclusion process for all regulated websites, including OLG.ca and other Ontario Lottery sites.

Key goals of the system include:

• Creating a trusted, accessible platform for all Ontario iGaming operators.

• Allowing users aged 19+ to create and manage their own self-exclusion profiles.

• Integrating identity verification and compliance with AGCO’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, reaffirmed the regulator’s focus on responsible gambling:

“Requirements for robust player protections and responsible gambling safeguards are central to the AGCO’s regulatory standards. Once the new centralized self-exclusion system is available, all registered gaming operators in the province will be required to participate.”

This initiative represents a landmark advancement in responsible gambling, ensuring Ontarians have the tools to manage their habits safely. With the project’s rollout planned before the end of 2024, Ontario continues to lead the way in player protection within the iGaming industry.