Protection Tool

Self-Exclusion

A formal, legally-enforced process to ban yourself from all licensed Ontario gambling platforms for a minimum of one year. It is the strongest protection tool available. Choosing it takes courage — and it works.

Minimum 1 year

All Ontario operators

Legally binding

If you need to talk to someone right now: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 — free, confidential, 24/7.

What is Self-Exclusion?

Self-exclusion is a voluntary agreement — backed by Ontario's iGaming framework — in which you formally request to be banned from all licensed Ontario gambling platforms. It is not a temporary pause. Once registered, your exclusion applies across every iGaming Ontario operator, and no operator in the province is permitted to allow you to gamble during your exclusion period.

It is the right tool when deposit limits and time-outs are not enough — when gambling has become something you cannot control through smaller measures and you need a complete, enforced stop.

Self-exclusion is not a failure. It is a decision made with clear eyes about what you need. Thousands of Ontarians have used it, and the research consistently shows that it is one of the most effective interventions available for problem gambling. Asking for a complete stop is one of the most honest things a person can do.

How Self-Exclusion Works in Ontario

Ontario operates a centralised self-exclusion system through iGaming Ontario. When you register, your exclusion is applied across all licensed operators simultaneously — you do not need to contact each sportsbook individually.

Register through iGaming Ontario or an operator's RG tools You can initiate self-exclusion directly through any licensed Ontario sportsbook's Responsible Gaming section, or through the iGaming Ontario portal. Some operators also allow you to begin via phone with customer support.

Choose your exclusion period Ontario's regulated self-exclusion options are typically 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanent. You cannot choose less than one year. Permanent exclusion cannot be reversed. All other periods have a reinstatement process after expiry.

Your exclusion takes effect immediately Once confirmed, all licensed Ontario operator accounts associated with your identity are suspended. You cannot gamble at any of them during the exclusion period.

Account balances are returned Any funds you have in operator accounts at the time of exclusion will be returned to you. Operators are required to process these withdrawals.

After the exclusion period expires You are not automatically reinstated. You must take an active step to request reinstatement, which typically involves a waiting period and a confirmation process. This friction is intentional and protective.

What Self-Exclusion Covers in Ontario

Covered by Ontario self-exclusion

All iGaming Ontario licensed sportsbooks
All iGaming Ontario licensed online casinos
All iGaming Ontario licensed poker sites
iGaming Ontario sports betting apps
Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) platforms

Requires separate exclusion

Land-based casinos (requires separate OPP/casino registration)
Charitable gaming events (bingos, raffles)
Unlicensed offshore gambling sites
Horse racing facilities (separate exclusion program)

For comprehensive exclusion, register separately for land-based gambling too. The Ontario iGaming self-exclusion covers all licensed online operators. For physical casinos, contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Voluntary Self-Exclusion program or speak directly with a casino host.

Choosing Your Exclusion Period

There is no universally correct period. The right choice depends on your situation — how long you have been struggling, how confident you are in your ability to return to controlled play, and what support you have around you.

1 Year

A meaningful reset. Long enough to rebuild habits, seek support, and evaluate your relationship with gambling from a distance. The most common starting point. Consider this if you have never self-excluded before and want a defined period to work with.

3 Years

Appropriate if gambling has significantly affected your finances, relationships, or mental health. Three years provides enough distance to make a genuinely considered decision about reinstatement rather than a reactive one.

5 Years

A long-term commitment that removes gambling from your life for a substantial period. Suitable if you have tried shorter exclusions before or if your situation requires a more definitive boundary.

Permanent

Cannot be reversed. This is the right choice if you know, with certainty, that returning to gambling is not something you want or that would be safe for you. It removes the option permanently and provides the strongest possible protection. If you are unsure, speak with a counsellor before choosing permanent exclusion.

Making the Most of Your Exclusion Period

Self-exclusion removes access. It does not, on its own, address the underlying reasons gambling became a problem. The research is consistent: self-exclusion is significantly more effective when combined with professional support.

Counselling

Talking to a trained counsellor — in person, by phone, or online — helps address the emotional patterns that contributed to harmful gambling. ConnexOntario can connect you to gambling-specific counsellors in your area.

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600

Gamblers Anonymous

A peer-support network with meetings across Ontario. There is something distinctive about speaking with people who have had the same experience. Meetings are free and confidential.

gamblersanonymous.org

Responsible Gambling Council

The RGC produces research-based resources for people affected by gambling problems, including self-help tools, family support guides, and information about treatment options in Ontario.

responsiblegambling.org

If You Decide to Return After Exclusion

When a non-permanent exclusion period ends, you must actively request reinstatement. This is intentional — the goal is to prevent automatic return to gambling without a deliberate, considered decision.

Before requesting reinstatement, it is worth asking yourself honestly:

Have the circumstances that led to self-exclusion materially changed?

Do you have a concrete plan for keeping gambling within limits that feel healthy?

Have you spoken to a counsellor or support network about returning?

Is the desire to return coming from a calm, considered place — or from the same impulse that caused the problem?

There is no shame in deciding not to return. Self-exclusion that becomes permanent through choice rather than registration is still self-exclusion that worked.

Smaller Steps First

If you are considering self-exclusion but feel uncertain, these two tools offer meaningful protection with a shorter commitment:

You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

Deciding to self-exclude is a significant step. Whatever brought you here, free and confidential support is available right now — for you or for someone you care about.

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 connexontario.ca

Gamblers Anonymous · Responsible Gambling Council · iGaming Ontario RG Resources

Free, confidential. Available 24/7. Mental health and addiction services across Ontario.

Back to Responsible Gaming Hub

Self-Exclusion

What is Self-Exclusion?

How Self-Exclusion Works in Ontario

What Self-Exclusion Covers in Ontario

Choosing Your Exclusion Period