A new rule from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) mandates that players under 25 must set deposit caps as their level of participation rises.

Monthly, Weekly, or Daily Limits

According to a statement from the OLG, the goal is to establish early guidelines for safer play among younger children.

“Requiring a deposit limit is not about removing choice, it’s about strengthening that choice by helping players to pause and consider what they are comfortable spending,” said Duncan Hannay, OLG’s President and CEO.

“OLG relies on research and best practices to guide how we engage with players and respond to emerging trends. This new measure is a practical, data-driven step to help players under 25 build safer play habits early.”

Prompts Are Given to Players

The new approach comes at a time when there is growing pressure on the industry to effectively self-regulate, especially with regard to concerns like the amount of iGaming advertising and responsible gaming among younger people.

A player under 25 will be asked to select a deposit restriction after making a single deposit of $500 or more into their account. Limits may be daily, weekly, or monthly.

“Responsible gaming remains a priority for the Ontario government, and striking the right balance between individual choice and protecting vulnerable players is essential,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

Building Safer Play Habits Earlier

“This initiative reflects the strong collaboration between government, agencies and industry partners to strengthen player protections and ensure Ontario’s gaming market remains safe, responsible and trusted.”

OLG will highlight their PlaySmart program, which includes deposit limitations, spending reminders, and time-outs, by prioritizing responsible play for each individual player through the new metric.

The action is being taken at a time when digital gambling profits from the OLG's Proline platform are rising and going back to the provincial government.

Online casino and sports betting revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, was CAD $585 million, up 15% from the previous year, according to the OLG's most recent financial statement.