Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money or a way to cope with personal or financial problems. This page summarizes the tools and resources available in Ontario to help you stay in control.
Legal requirements in Ontario
- Be 19 years of age or older.
- Only play on operators registered with the AGCO and holding an active iGaming Ontario Operating Agreement.
- Register with a verified account — anonymous or underage play is prohibited.
Self-exclusion: BetGuard
BetGuard is Ontario’s centralized self-exclusion tool, launched in May 2026. A single request through betguard.ca excludes you from every iGaming Ontario-regulated site at once, for a period of up to five years — no need to contact each operator individually.
Warning signs
- Thinking about gambling frequently or planning your next session.
- Gradually increasing the amounts you wager.
- Trying to “chase” losses by betting more.
- Hiding how much time or money you spend gambling from family.
- Neglecting work, family or financial obligations to keep playing.
Official resources in Ontario
- ConnexOntario — free, confidential 24/7 helpline: 1-866-531-2600, or text CONNEX to 247247.
- BetGuard — centralized self-exclusion: betguard.ca
- PlaySmart — responsible gambling education: playsmart.ca
- My PlayBreak — separate OLG self-exclusion (covers OLG.ca and OLG land-based venues): olg.ca/myplaybreak
Tools offered by licensed operators
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps.
- Time-outs: temporary account breaks for a set period.
- Self-exclusion: longer-term or indefinite account closure.
WintheBonus is an informational site, not a health professional. If gambling is affecting you emotionally or financially, seek professional support in addition to using these tools.