Online gambling launched as a regulated open market in Ontario on April 4, 2022, with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulating and iGaming Ontario (iGO) conducting and managing the market. This coexists with OLG.ca and about 30 OLG partner-operated casinos and slot facilities across the province. That means gambling in Ontario has now expanded considerably beyond the provincial lottery’s own online casino site managed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
When it comes to responsible gambling, Canada takes the issue seriously. In Ontario, privately run online casinos are required to adhere to the province’s standards. iGaming Ontario — originally an AGCO subsidiary and, as of May 12, 2025, an independent provincial agency — conducts and manages the market, setting operating terms that cover anti-money laundering, player registration, customer support, game types, and responsible gambling through its agreements with operators.
Promoting responsible gambling has been named a key priority for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario. Together, they want to ensure that vulnerable people, including minors and at-risk individuals, are not targeted by online casino advertising or marketing and that online casinos do not mislead the public through ads. They will ensure that private online casinos in Ontario provide players with a clear understanding of the rules of the games they offer, including the odds of winning and the likely outcomes. Additionally, they will ensure that problem gamblers can easily access the resources needed to seek help if they require it.
Responsible gambling in Ontario’s standards for online gaming
Ultimately, iGaming Ontario aims to establish an open and competitive online gambling market that minimizes potential harm and fosters a responsible environment. That means eliminating inappropriate advertising practices that target minors, are false and deceptive, or promote excessive play.
It also means preventing private online casinos from allowing players to play excessively, mandating those casinos to make players aware of the risks involved with problem gambling in Canada and the options available to help with self-control. Finally, privately run online casinos are required to implement various responsible gaming controls. Here’s a look at some of the province’s current standards for internet gaming as they pertain to responsible gambling.
Policies and culture
Private operators, the OLG, and iGaming Ontario will all need to implement and follow policies and procedures that identify, prevent, and minimize the risks of harm to players from gaming. These policies and procedures will be regularly reviewed and evaluated, and staff will receive training on their content and application.
Marketing and advertising
Advertising, marketing materials, and communications will not be allowed to target or appeal to high-risk, underage, or self-excluded players. Ontario bans athletes from appearing in igaming advertisements and restricts the use of celebrities who are likely to appeal to minors. Public advertising of “inducements, bonuses and credits” is also prohibited. Such messaging is allowed only on an operator’s site/app or via direct, one-to-one communications after the player has given active consent. Plus, the advertising and marketing of things that are considered gambling inducements, like bonuses and credits, are prohibited everywhere except on an operator’s website.
Supporting informed decision making
Private operators will need to implement a systematic approach toward informing players and encouraging them to play more safely. That means information about how games work, including the risks involved and common misconceptions about those risks. Plus, operators must outline how responsible gambling tools work.
Identifying and assisting individuals experiencing harm
Private operators will need to put a mechanism in place to monitor player risk profiles and behaviours, so they can detect signs of problem gambling and systematically provide assistance. Operators are expected to proactively identify risk indicators and take appropriate action to mitigate them. Support must be trained and responsive (many offer 24/7), but the standards do not explicitly mandate live-agent support 24/7.
Employee training
Mandatory responsible-gambling training is required for employees to identify and understand the importance of responsible gambling. As of July 11, 2025, pre-approval from the Registrar is no longer required for RG training programs. However, training remains mandatory and must adhere to best practices.
Self-exclusion and breaks in play
Operators must provide players the chance to initiate a short-term break from play and a voluntary self-exclusion program. Ontario’s unified program is called My PlayBreak. It covers OLG.ca and retail casinos, with a range of durations from one day up to multi-year options.
Game design and features
Games must be designed with clear instructions and not mislead players. Displayed winning amounts must all be achievable. Ontario requires a minimum 2.5-second spin for online slots, bans autoplay, restricts simultaneous multi-slot play, bars “false-win” effects, and requires display of a player’s net position and elapsed time.
Limit-setting features
Online casinos must also provide players with an easy and obvious way to set gaming limits, both financial and time-related. Plus, they must refuse to change these limits for any player without a 24-hour cooling period.
Understanding and identifying problem gambling
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s responsible gambling program says gambling should be for recreation. Gambling is considered a problem when it starts to affect your daily life. If your gambling interferes with work, school, or other activities, it’s a problem. If it leads to physical or emotional health issues, it’s a problem. If gambling causes growing financial concerns or starts to take a toll on your personal relationships, it’s a problem. Indeed, one way to answer the question “What is responsible gambling?” is to say that when gambling negatively impacts your life or the lives of those who care about you, it is no longer “responsible gambling” and has moved over into “problem gambling.”
The OLG provides numerous responsible gambling tips and guidance to support players. Problem gambling is often hidden, and the signs are not always easy to read. PlaySmart, the OLG’s responsible gambling program, has put together a checklist of problem gambling signs. Ask yourself, do you or a loved one:
- Gamble to escape your other problems?
- Gamble longer than you planned?
- Miss things like work, school, or family events because of it?
- Gamble with money you already reserved for important things like your rent or mortgage?
- Borrow money to gamble with or pay off gambling debts?
- Promise to stop but continue gambling anyway?
- Experience mood or personality changes when you gamble?
- Have self-destructive thoughts because of gambling?
Answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, and you should consider seeking help from the resources available across the province.
PlaySmart has also put together a list of problem gambling signs in young adults:
- Change in behaviour or personality
- Unexplained absences
- Dropping grades and incomplete assignments
- Gambles daily or weekly
- Show off valuable new purchases, but can’t account for them
- Boast about winning
- Pay added attention to sports scores and conversations about gambling
- Borrow or steal
- Increasingly forget appointments or dates
- Withdraw from family and friends
Once again, if you see one or more of these signs in a young adult, you should consider helping them take advantage of the resources, help, and support for problem gambling that’s out there.
Ontario problem gambling resources
OLG PlaySmart
PlaySmart is the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s responsible gambling initiative. More on PlaySmart can be found via the PlaySmart.ca website. PlaySmart provides facts, advice, and tools to promote responsible gambling. It gives you the tools and information to help you manage your budget and customize your playing experience with responsible gambling in mind, providing the resources to help if your gambling stops being fun.
The tools include a look at how gambling really works, plus a quiz, simulator, and Slot Play Calculator that drive the point home that there’s no secret formula to improving your odds of winning and that skill isn’t as big a factor as luck. As an organization, PlaySmart collaborates closely with the province and independent agencies to identify ways to support individuals struggling with problem gambling and those at risk. This stretches from employee training and player education to game design and advertising. Plus, it includes treatment and community involvement. PlaySmart is also involved in administering OLG’s My PlayBreak self-exclusion program.
PlaySmart is OLG’s responsible gambling program, helping players make informed choices about their gaming activities. It offers clear, straightforward, and relevant facts regarding all games, along with advice and tools on how to set a game plan that keeps gambling an entertaining option and promotes smart and healthy gambling habits. PlaySmart is there to listen, respond, and offer assistance. It includes a virtual encyclopedia online filled with facts, tools, and advice to help you make informed gaming choices and understand the odds and strategies of games.
PlaySmart Centres are also located on-site at casinos across Ontario.
Ontario problem gambling helpline
ConnexOntario helps people in the province discover mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services. It is available via phone at 1-866-531-2600, text “CONNEX” to 247247, and online at the ConnexOntario website. It is one of many resources in the province designed to help with problem gambling and to promote responsible gambling in Ontario.