Brittany Dale, an iGaming Ontario executive, has received national recognition for leading the technical delivery of BetGuard, Ontario’s centralized online gambling self-exclusion system.

iGaming Ontario announced on September 9, 2026, that Dale, its director of business transformation and program delivery, was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network in the AI and Technology category.

The recognition highlights the coordination required to give players one opt-out process across multiple regulated platforms.

BetGuard allows eligible Ontarians aged 19 and older to exclude themselves from all regulated online gambling in the province through one centralized system.

How BetGuard works

Dale led BetGuard’s integration with more than 45 gaming operators. The system allows users to opt out without registering separately with each participating platform, according to iGaming Ontario.

The Women’s Executive Network described Dale as a public-sector technology leader who helped implement what it called the first centralized self-exclusion system of its kind in North America.

  • Users can choose a six-month, one-year, five-year or custom exclusion period.
  • The system verifies a user’s identity before registration.
  • Participating regulated websites can match player information and block access.
  • Operators are instructed not to send direct marketing to people who have opted out.
  • BetGuard operates separately from each operator’s own self-exclusion program.

What the system does not cover

BetGuard applies only to Ontario’s regulated online gambling market. It does not create a national Canadian self-exclusion system and does not cover unregulated gambling websites, according to BetGuard’s official player information.

Ontario launched BetGuard on May 14, 2026. iGaming Ontario developed the system with government partners, responsible gambling specialists, operators and technology suppliers.

The province requires regulated operators, including the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s online service, to participate in the centralized program.

Recognition follows launch and security warning

The award comes as Ontario expands centralized player-protection measures. Players can also use operator-specific limits, breaks and self-exclusion programs. BetGuard directs users to additional support when gambling becomes a concern.

iGaming Ontario issued a separate warning on September 10, 2026, about unauthorized third parties using the BetGuard name and branding.

The agency advised players to use BetGuard.ca, listed operator websites and official partner channels when seeking information. The warning underscores that the system depends on both secure operator integration and players’ ability to identify the legitimate service.

iGaming Ontario and the Women’s Executive Network provided the details of Dale’s recognition. BetGuard and iGaming Ontario provided information about the system’s scope, launch and impersonation warning.