BetGuard: Ontario's province-wide self-exclusion, explained
BetGuard is iGaming Ontario’s centralized self-exclusion program. It launched on May 14, 2026 and lets you exclude yourself from all regulated online gambling sites in Ontario in one step, instead of closing accounts one by one.
Who can use it
Ontario residents aged 19 and over. You sign up at betguard.ca and choose how long the exclusion lasts.
What it covers
- Every operator in Ontario’s regulated iGaming market — regulated operators are required to take part and to promote it.
- It sits on top of each operator’s own self-exclusion tools, which still exist.
What it doesn’t cover
- Offshore / unregulated sites. BetGuard can’t stop you from using sites outside the regulated market. Device-level blocking software can help close that gap.
- Land-based venues have their own separate programs.
Other ways to take a break
- Set deposit, loss or time limits in your account settings on any regulated site.
- Use a cool-off (short time-out) if you only need a pause.
- Talk to someone: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600, free and confidential, 24/7. You can also text CONNEX to 247247.
See also: Responsible gambling
Frequently asked questions
Is BetGuard free?
Yes. It's a free program run by iGaming Ontario for Ontario residents aged 19 and over.
Does BetGuard block offshore sites?
No. It covers sites in Ontario's regulated market. To block other gambling sites on your devices, consider a blocking app as well.
Do I still need to self-exclude on each site?
No — that's the point of BetGuard. Individual operators still offer their own self-exclusion tools too.
Play within your limits. If gambling stops being fun, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (free, 24/7) or self-exclude from all regulated Ontario sites with BetGuard.