iGaming Ontario announced that a joint bid by Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and IXUP has been selected to develop a new centralized self-exclusion system for Ontario, which will be the first of its kind in North America.

“We look forward to working with IC360, IXUP, OLG and our operators to develop a centralized self-exclusion program for Ontario’s igaming players. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to build on the existing player protections here in Ontario. With IC360’s tech-first expertise in betting integrity through ProhiBet and IXUP’s demonstrated success with BetStop in Australia, we’re 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,” said Martha Otton, iGaming Ontario Executive Director.

IC360 is a global leader in delivering tech-forward, innovative integrity and compliance products and services within igaming and sports betting integrity. IXUP designed, delivered, and now operates Australia’s BetStop national self-exclusion register. Together, IC360 and IXUP will provide Ontario with an effective self-exclusion system designed to support players’ decisions to self-exclude while also protecting their privacy.

“IC360 is excited to work with iGaming Ontario to generate a system that brings the highest standard of responsible gambling tools to one of the world’s leading gaming jurisdictions. Through our tool ProhiBet and our education services we have always been strongly committed to responsible gambling and look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver the best self-exclusion solution to protect players in Ontario,” Eric Frank, President of IC360, said.

Al Watson, IXUP CEO said, “This project is a significant moment for responsible gambling in North America. The entire IXUP team has worked exceptionally hard to establish IXUP as a key provider of state-of-the-art online gambling self-exclusion products globally, made possible by the application of our world leading secure data collaboration engine and we are extremely excited to continue this work in Ontario.”

iGaming Ontario and the IC360-IXUP team will begin developing this centralized self-exclusion system immediately, working closely with all its igaming operators and OLG. With the new centralized self-exclusion system, players will be able to self-exclude from all regulated igaming sites in Ontario at once, including OLG.ca, adding another layer of protection under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

Self-exclusion is an important step that can help to protect players from experiencing harm from gambling by supporting their decision to take a break from regulated igaming websites.

“Congratulations to iGaming Ontario on this important milestone. Player health is a cornerstone of OLG’s business. We are committed to ongoing improvements to responsible gambling efforts so that our industry can offer a safer, more enjoyable experience for all players in Ontario,” Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of OLG, said.

Each regulated igaming site in Ontario is already required to offer a self-exclusion program that is well-promoted, easily accessible to customers and includes resources and information about problem gambling support services, according to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

“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,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, said.