iGaming Ontario warns of fake BetGuard sites misleading gamblers
iGaming Ontario has warned players to be on the lookout for unauthorized websites impersonating BetGuard, just four months after the province launched its centralized online gambling self-exclusion system.
The provincial agency issued the warning after becoming aware of third parties using the BetGuard name and branding while publishing misleading information about how Ontario gamblers can exclude themselves from regulated betting sites and online casinos.
iGaming Ontario has not identified the websites involved, meaning players are being urged to verify any site purporting to offer access to the service before handing over personal information.
“iGaming Ontario has become aware of third parties using the BetGuard name and branding to make misleading statements about how to opt out of all regulated online gambling in Ontario using BetGuard,” the agency said.
The regulator has directed players to use the official BetGuard website, iGaming Ontario’s directory of regulated operators, OLG.ca or recognized responsible gambling partners including ConnexOntario and the Responsible Gambling Council.
Players who encounter a website or other material claiming to represent either BetGuard or iGaming Ontario have been asked to contact the organizations through their official channels for verification.
The warning potentially affects a large number of players. As of September 1, Ontario had 49 regulated operators running 84 gambling websites, according to iGaming Ontario’s official directory.
The centralized system also includes OLG’s online gambling operation. It does not, however, exclude a player from physical casinos; OLG describes BetGuard specifically as a province-wide digital self-exclusion program.
iGaming Ontario says players should be suspicious of unofficial material using the BetGuard or iGaming Ontario branding and verify it directly with the agency when in doubt.
