The Ontario online gambling market has been booming, making game integrity and player security more important than ever.
Following a number of steps in that direction, the province’s iGaming regulator iGaming Ontario has now partnered with Las Vegas-based tech company IC360 to create a centralized self-exclusion system that will enable players to self-exclude from all play across all the regulated platforms.
The system will not be unique, as similar systems already exist in markets like the UK and Australia, but it will be the first time Ontario players gain access to this responsible gambling tool.
IC360 Tasked with Developing the System
Founded through the merger of U.S. Integrity and Odds On Compliance, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) is a tech company that focuses on creating solutions that allow organizations in the gaming business provide the highest standards of integrity and compliance.
As such, IC360 was able to land a partnership with iGaming Ontario, the product of which should be a centralized and unified platform that allows players to self-exclude from all of province’s 80+ online gambling platforms.
According to the representatives of IC360, the platform should be fast and seamless and allow any person over the age of 19 to self-exclude from play by simply registering with the site.
Once registered, players will not be able to play on their accounts with any regulated operator in Ontario or create new accounts with other operators, helping them remain responsible about their gambling habits.
The end-goal, of course, is to create a platform that will help anyone suffering from problem gambling, allowing them to avoid temptation and ban themselves from all platforms in one fell swoop. The tool will benefit those that play at online casinos in Ontario, as well as Ontario online poker players and sports bettors.
IC360 President Eric Frank commented: IC360 is excited to work with iGaming Ontario to implement a platform with the highest standard of responsible gambling solutions to one of the world’s leading gaming jurisdictions.”
This selection underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation, and it validates the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
iGaming Ontario Remains Dedicated to Responsible Gambling
Despite the Ontario iGaming market being the most robust in North America, iGaming Ontario has done a great job of making it one of the safest and most player-friendly ones in the region.
Earlier this year, the iGaming Ontario and AGCO created new regulations in regards to iGaming marketing, banning professional athletes from being used in iGaming ads, as such ads were seen to have a negative effect on a variety of populations, including those under the legal gambling age.
The regulator has continually done great work in ensuring the market is safe for everyone involved and that the operators comply with some of the strictest norms and regulations in the world.
Now, with the help of IC360, iGaming Ontario and AGCO will create a brand new product that will ensure players have the means to exclude themselves from play and avoid the temptation of playing above their means and outside their comfort zone.
CEO and Registrar of AGCO Dr. Karin Schnarr commented: “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, and this will go a long way in supporting players who wish to stop or take a break from gambling in Ontario.”
The mandatory participation in the new system, which will include all operators in the province, will ensure that players who want to stay away from online gambling can do so with minimal effort and in an easy and intuitive way.
