iGaming Ontario accepted a bid for a new centralized self-exclusion system. Yet, we question whether it will help tackle problem gambling. (Images courtesy chaylek on Vecteezy)
After seeing the success of GamStop in the UK, the Canadian province of Ontario announced that it would bring a centralized self-exclusion system to the province.
As part of the iGaming Ontario licensing under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), all online casinos must provide self-exclusion tools. This rule is clearly stated under section 2.14 on the Self-Exclusion and Breaks in Play rule on the official AGCO website.
On top of self-exclusion tools, casinos and sports books in Ontario also offer other responsible gambling tools such as bet limits, deposit limits, and loss limits, as well as a reality check pop-up, which are all built into all player accounts.
However, unlike UK online casinos, gambling platforms operating under the AGCO do not have to register with a centralized self-exclusion system like GamStop. This is simply because there is no centralized self-exclusion system available.
This is about to change as iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of AGCO, has already accepted bids from two companies to design the provincial online gambling industry’s centralized self-exclusion system.
The bid from the two companies is a single bid as Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and IXUP will partner with one another to create the system. The move follows the example set by the UK online gambling market via GamStop and the recent implementation of a self-exclusion system in Canada’s British Columbia – Canada BC Self Exclusion Initiative.
Compulsory Registration: The CEO and registrar of the AGCO confirmed that as soon as the self-exclusion system is up and running, it will be compulsory for all online gambling sites to register.
What is the Centralized Self-Exclusion System?
There are a few simple rules for how the centralized self-exclusion system will function.
- If a player who is a member of an AGCO casino self-excludes, that self-exclusion will replicate across all online casinos. The same applies to sportsbooks.
- The centralized system stores all self-exclusion and replicates them across all other platforms in Ontario.
- If a player bans him or herself for life, then he or she will never be able to sign up for another AGCO online gambling platform.
Right now, the exact rules are not clear. Questions till remain whether players will voluntarily sign up for the centralized self-exclusion system, or whether it will be a compulsory link to all gambling platforms. Also, we are not sure if this system will also spill over into land-based establishments.
What challenges will the Ontario iGaming Market Face?
Although having a centralized self-exclusion system may prevent gamblers from registering for other AGCO online casinos, Ontario players still have access to online gambling platforms that operate under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Curacao (CeG) licensing authorities.
This means that players who have self-excluded at an AGCO online casino can sign up for an online casino under the MGA or CeG. It doesn’t solve the issue of problem gambling, but a centralized self-exclusion register protects the AGCO’s interests.
The licensing authority has morally done its duty as long as the AGCO is not allowing those who have self-excluded to access any other online gambling platform in the province. However, there will likely still be some backlash and calls for the province to make overseas online gambling illegal, which would mean following in the footsteps of the UK online gambling industry.
At this time, the AGCO has been quite liberal with its online gambling laws, allowing players to choose whether they want to play or bet on a provincially licensed online gambling platform or overseas platforms whether or not these gambling sites operate with a license.
Why Do Some Ontario Players Choose to Gamble at Non-AGCO Casinos?
There are several key reasons why:
- Curacao casinos have far more games available versus AGCO casinos
- The sports betting at both MGA and AGCO casinos tend to offer better spreads and promos
- Players can choose to gamble using cryptocurrency on Curacao platforms
UK Vs Ontario Online Gambling Markets
Although Ontario is bracing itself for a centralized self-exclusion register, I am not convinced it will make much of a difference when it comes to gambling addiction.
Those who have gambling issues still have access to MGA and Curacao online casinos. Unless the Ontario iGaming body plans to ban citizens from signing up for overseas casinos, it seems pointless.
The UK has taken a strong stance against non-UKGC and non-GamStop online gambling platforms and affiliates. Although it is not illegal for UK citizens to sign up for overseas online casinos, the British government has made it illegal for any overseas company not holding a UKGC license to offer players in the country online gambling services.
By all rights, the UK government can chase down and prosecute the owners of operators who manage online gambling services accepting UK players. In contrast, this rule does not exist in Ontario.
However, the AGCO and UKGC gambling websites will have one thing in common: they will all be part of a centralized self-exclusion register.
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