11. Responsible Gaming (iGaming)

Note: This Standard is only applicable to the OLG’s igaming activities. All other igaming Operators wishing to enter Ontario’s regulated market should refer to the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

11.1 All lottery schemes shall be entered into willingly by the player.

Guidance: The intent is to ensure that the player is not forced into game play simply by
selecting the game.

11.2 Players shall be provided with an easy and obvious way to set gaming limits (financial or time based) upon registration and at any time after registration.

Requirements – At a minimum:

  1. Players shall be provided with the option to set loss and deposit limits during registration.

11.3 Where a gaming limit has been previously established by a player, a request to relax or eliminate that limit shall only be implemented after a cooling-off period.

Requirements – At a minimum:

  1. The cooling-off period shall be 24 hours.

11.4 Where a gaming limit has been previously established by a player, it may not be relaxed by an Operator acting unilaterally, without instructions from the player.

11.5 Gaming limits, however imposed, shall be enforced by the gaming system.

Requirements – At a minimum:

  1. Players shall be clearly notified that the game or gaming session has come to an end due to a gaming limit.

11.6 The registration page and pages within the player account shall prominently display a responsible gambling statement.

11.7 A mechanism shall be in place to monitor and detect game and account transactions which may indicate signs of problem gambling.

11.8 Removed, July 2019.

11.9 There shall be reasonable and appropriate breaks in play.

11.10 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent. [New: December, 2021]

Guidance: This standard does not prohibit the use of inducements, bonuses and credits.
This standard prohibits all public advertising, including targeted advertising and algorithm-based ads.
Direct marketing and advertising includes but is not limited to: direct messaging via social media, emails, texts, and phone calls.