iGaming Ontario issues two-step site verification guide for more than 80 regulated platforms
The Crown agency marked Illegal Gambling Awareness Week by instructing players to check for the mandatory BetGuard logo and cross-reference platforms against the official directory.
Key takeaways
- 01Players must look for both the iGaming Ontario and BetGuard logos to verify a platform's legal status.
- 02Users are instructed to cross-reference any platform against the official directory of more than 80 sites.
- 03Regulated sites provide mandatory safeguards and access to a trusted consumer complaint process.
To mark Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, the provincial regulator has issued a two-step verification guide to help players confirm they are using one of the more than 80 regulated igaming sites in Ontario.
According to the Crown agency, distinguishing legal platforms from unregulated options ensures players have access to standardized protections.
“Ontario’s regulated igaming market is designed to provide oversight, mandatory safeguards like BetGuard and a trusted consumer complaint process no matter which regulated site you choose.”
The regulator noted that the legal market currently includes dozens of operators managing more than 80 active sites. iGaming Ontario stated that players have “plenty of options” within the authorized framework, reducing the need to risk using unverified platforms.
Two steps to verify an Ontario igaming site
iGaming Ontario outlined a mandatory two-step process for residents to confirm a platform is operating legally within the province.
The first step requires players to look for specific visual indicators on the operator’s website. Legal sites are required to display the official iGaming Ontario logo. Additionally, regulated platforms must show the BetGuard logo, which the agency identifies as a mandatory safeguard built into the provincial market.
The second step involves cross-referencing the operator with official provincial records. Before playing, individuals must check the iGaming Ontario directory to confirm the specific site is listed as an authorized regulated gaming site. Identifying the logos alone is not presented as sufficient without this secondary directory check.
Agency mandate and consumer protection
iGaming Ontario operates as an Ontario Crown Agency. The organization stated its role is to champion the regulated online gaming market and foster a competitive environment for responsible operators.
The agency provides oversight and a formal, trusted consumer complaint process for players who encounter issues on authorized platforms. According to the notice, supporting the regulated igaming market also generates significant economic benefits for the people of Ontario while connecting players with safer, legal gaming options.
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