Self-exclusion options in Ontario
If you need to take a break from gambling — whether for a few days or a few years — Ontario has options. Here’s how they work.
Two types of breaks
Ontario’s regulated casinos offer two distinct tools:
| Option | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Break in play | 1 day to 3 months | Short cooling-off period |
| Self-exclusion | 6 months to 5 years | Longer-term commitment to stop |
Both are required by AGCO regulations. Every licensed Ontario casino must offer them.
Break in play (short-term)
Under AGCO Standard 2.13, all Ontario online casinos must let you take a short break from gambling. Options include:
- 1 day
- 1 week
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
Once you activate a break, you can’t place any wagers until the time period ends. You’ll find this option in your account settings under responsible gambling tools.
Self-exclusion (long-term)
For a more serious commitment, self-exclusion programs lock you out for longer periods. Under AGCO Standard 2.14, operators must offer terms of 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years at minimum.
When you self-exclude:
- You’re immediately logged out and blocked from your account
- Marketing emails and promotions stop
- Any pending wagers on events that haven’t started are refunded
- Your remaining account balance can be withdrawn
The program must be easy to find and include information about where to get help.
Current limitation: one site at a time
Right now, self-exclusion at private Ontario casinos works on a site-by-site basis. If you self-exclude from bet365, you can still access BetMGM. You’d need to self-exclude separately from each operator.
This is changing — more on that below.
OLG’s My PlayBreak program
For OLG properties (land-based casinos, charitable gaming centres, and OLG.ca), there’s a unified self-exclusion program called My PlayBreak.
Term options:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
When you enroll in My PlayBreak for casinos, you’re banned from all 29 Ontario casinos and 37 charitable gaming centres. Your photo goes into OLG’s facial recognition database, and you’ll be escorted out if detected at any gaming venue.
To register:
- Online (OLG.ca): Through your account settings
- Land-based: Visit a PlaySmart Centre at any casino, or call the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098
Coming soon: centralized self-exclusion
iGaming Ontario is building a province-wide centralized self-exclusion system — the first of its kind in North America.
Once launched, you’ll be able to self-exclude from all regulated Ontario operators in a single registration. One form, every site blocked.
The system is being developed by IC360 and IXUP (the company behind Australia’s BetStop national register). All licensed operators will be required to participate.
No launch date has been announced yet, but development is underway.
Other responsible gambling tools
Beyond self-exclusion, every Ontario casino must offer:
- Deposit limits — set daily, weekly, or monthly caps
- Time limits — get alerts or automatic logouts after set periods
- Reality checks — periodic notifications showing how long you’ve been playing
- Net position display — see your wins minus losses during each session
These tools are found in your account’s responsible gambling section.
Getting help
If gambling is affecting your life, free support is available:
ConnexOntario
Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7)
Text: 247247
Chat: connexontario.ca
ConnexOntario offers confidential support in 170+ languages and can connect you with local counselling and treatment services across the province.
Bottom line
Taking a break is always an option. Short breaks are available directly in your account settings. For longer commitments, self-exclusion programs exist at every licensed operator — and soon, a single registration will cover them all.