iGaming Ontario is looking to make it easier for players to self-exclude from legal sports betting and casino operators with a single registration process.
The iGO, the online regulating body for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, publicly launched a request for proposals in early 2024 from technology companies.
The winning bidder will be tasked with developing a multi-year, centralized program that includes 30 sportsbooks. The company will build a system that allows players to use KYC identity verification to register to self-exclude, renew, or reinstate with all Ontario online gaming operators.
What the iGO is looking for
iGaming Ontario is keen on creating a system that's simple for users.
The iGO is “seeking interest from responsive and nimble companies that are able to build modern, innovative, secure, cloud-based SaaS solutions that are high-profile, public-facing, and critically important to building and maintaining the trust and confidence of a wide range of stakeholders.” iGO also said the process should be non-stigmatised, non-judgmental, and support users of the program.
Responsible gaming
Responsible gambling and self-exclusion from online gaming operators have been at the forefront of the Ontario sports betting regulators this year.
In March, iGaming Ontario closed a loophole that bettors could use to get out of losing bets. A new rule states that iGO doesn’t have to refund a player’s wager if a self-exclusion program is entered.
More than $14 billion on sports betting and online casino gaming was wagered in Ontario during the second quarter of 2023, up 132% from the same quarter in 2022. Sports betting made up 13% of that handle. Revenue reached $540 million in Q2.
