iGaming Ontario Moves Forward With Autonomous Self-Exclusion Program

Article by : Erik Gibbs Aug 5, 2024

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iGaming Ontario (iGO), the agency responsible for overseeing online gaming and betting in the province, has successfully concluded its search for a provider to develop its new self-exclusion system. This announcement marks a significant milestone in enhancing player protection measures in this area.

On Thursday, iGO revealed that it had selected a joint proposal from Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and IXUP to create the new centralized self-exclusion system, which will be a pioneering effort in North America. IC360 is a global consultancy and technology firm specializing in integrity and compliance solutions for online gaming, sports, and sports betting. Meanwhile, IXUP Limited is known for its advanced encryption technology, facilitating the secure sharing and analysis of sensitive information.

IXUP has extensive experience in the field of self-exclusion, having designed, implemented and currently managing Australia’s national BetStop self-exclusion registry. There is no doubt that this background makes this project have quite high expectations.

iGaming Ontario’s Executive Director, Martha Otton, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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 the booming Ontario iGaming market, which saw $18.4 billion in online gaming and betting wagers in the second quarter of this year, a centralized self-exclusion system has been notably absent. The new system aims to fill this gap by providing players with problem gambling concerns an easy way to mitigate their own risks.

The request for proposals (RFP) process for this project began in March. iGO sought a partner for a software-as-a-service (SaaS) project to simplify the process for provincial sports bettors to voluntarily ban themselves from all regulated websites. This will include all regulated iGaming sites in Ontario, such as Gaming Corporation’s OLG.ca, and the Ontario Lottery, thereby adding another layer of protection under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

The objective is to establish a system that earns the trust and confidence of all stakeholders in Ontario’s gaming industry, including players and operators. IC360 and IXUP will now embark on a multi-year collaboration with iGO to build a program that integrates seamlessly with all regulated Ontario iGaming operators’ systems. According to the system, anyone aged 19 and above will now be provided with easy access to create and manage their self-exclusion profile and implement identity verification processes.

Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, emphasized the importance of robust player protections. She stated, “Requirements for robust player protections and responsible gambling safeguards are central to the AGCO’s regulatory standards for Ontario’s gaming industry. Once the new, centralized self-exclusion system is available, all registered gaming operators in the province will be required to participate. This will significantly support players who wish to stop or take a break from gambling in Ontario.”

This initiative is a significant step forward in responsible gambling, ensuring that players have the necessary tools to manage their gambling habits effectively. Staying at the forefront of the iGaming industry through initiatives such as these is something Ontario is looking to achieve before 2024 comes to an end.