Ontario has launched BetGuard, a province-wide self-exclusion program designed to help players take control of their gambling habits before they become harmful. 

The new tool, launched by iGaming Ontario, allows players to voluntarily block themselves from every regulated online sportsbook and casino in the province through a quick, single registration process.

Before BetGuard, players who wanted to self-exclude had to contact each betting site individually. The new system simplifies the process by creating a single portal that applies across Ontario's entire regulated online gaming market. Once you are enrolled in BetGuard, you cannot access your existing accounts, sign up for new accounts, or receive promotional marketing from those betting sites.

The launch is viewed as an important step forward for responsible gambling in Ontario. As online sports betting and casino gaming continue to grow, BetGuard gives players an easier way to step back when betting becomes difficult to manage. The program is intended to help reduce the financial, emotional, and personal consequences that can come from problem gambling.

Early reactions have been largely positive, with many users saying a province-wide exclusion system removes the temptation to simply open accounts with different operators after self-excluding from one site.

As Ontario's regulated betting market continues to expand, BetGuard provides an additional layer of protection for players who need a break from gambling. While it won't solve every gambling-related issue on its own, it offers a valuable tool that makes seeking help and setting boundaries much easier than before.