iGaming Ontario warned on September 10, 2026, that unauthorized third parties are using the BetGuard name and branding to spread misleading information about opting out of regulated online gambling. The warning raises privacy and identity-theft concerns for people seeking access to a player-protection tool launched in May.

iGaming Ontario said users should rely on the official BetGuard website, operator websites listed in its directory, OLG.ca and verified partner channels. Users can also contact BetGuard or iGaming Ontario through official channels to confirm whether a message or webpage is genuine.

People seeking self-exclusion should verify the service before sharing identification, facial data, contact details or gambling-account information.

What BetGuard does

BetGuard is Ontario’s centralized self-exclusion system for regulated online gambling. It allows eligible users to opt out across participating regulated sites through one registration instead of applying separately with each operator.

iGaming Ontario launched BetGuard on May 14, 2026. The system is available to people aged 19 and older and covers regulated online gambling platforms, including OLG’s online offering.

Users can choose from four exclusion options:

  • Six months
  • One year
  • Five years
  • A custom exclusion period

BetGuard’s official information says registration requires identity verification. Users may need government-issued photo identification, facial recognition and other verification steps before joining the central registry. Regulated websites then use the registry to block access to existing accounts and prevent the creation of new ones.

Why the warning matters

The warning does not allege that BetGuard suffered a data breach. It says unauthorized parties are using the service’s name and branding to make misleading statements. iGaming Ontario did not identify the parties involved or say how many users may have seen the material.

That distinction matters because people seeking self-exclusion may be asked to provide sensitive personal information. A fake registration page, message or customer-support account could expose identity documents, facial data, contact details or gambling-account information.

Users should:

  • Use the official BetGuard website instead of links sent in unsolicited messages.
  • Verify claims through iGaming Ontario, OLG.ca or a regulated operator listed by iGaming Ontario.
  • Refuse to provide identification or account information to an unverified service claiming to process an opt-out request.
  • Contact BetGuard’s official support centre if an application or message is unclear.

BetGuard does not cover every form of gambling

BetGuard covers regulated online gambling in Ontario. It does not replace every operator’s individual self-exclusion program and does not cover land-based casinos.

OLG separately operates My PlayBreak for its own online and land-based programs. Users who register with BetGuard are not automatically enrolled in My PlayBreak. OLG says the two systems have different terms and conditions.

Who is responsible for what

iGaming Ontario manages the commercial conduct of private online gaming in the province. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario remains the provincial regulator. OLG conducts and manages its own online offering through OLG.ca.

A message claiming to represent “Ontario gaming” is not proof that it is official. Users should check whether information comes from BetGuard, iGaming Ontario, OLG, the commission or a named regulated operator. They should also confirm that the claim matches the organization’s actual role.

The September 10 warning makes verification a key safeguard in Ontario’s new self-exclusion system. Reaching an impostor service could delay access to protection and expose users to unnecessary privacy risks.