OLG Adds Deposit Limits for Ontario Players Under 25

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Tue Jun 09, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

OLG Adds Deposit Limits for Ontario Players Under 25

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The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has launched a new responsible gambling measure aimed at younger online players. The initiative requires certain online customers under the age of 25 to set a deposit limit after reaching a specified deposit threshold.

The policy marks one of the latest efforts to strengthen player protection in Ontario's regulated gaming market. It also reflects growing concerns about gambling-related harm among younger adults, who researchers often identify as a higher-risk demographic.

As Ontario continues to lead Canada's regulated iGaming sector, the move could influence future responsible gambling discussions across both Canada online casinos and Canada online sportsbooks.

Key Provisions of OLG's Mandatory Deposit Limits for Players Under Age 25

Under the new policy, OLG will require online players under 25 to establish a deposit limit after making a single deposit of C$500 or more.

Players can choose a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit based on their personal preferences. The limits themselves remain consistent with those already available to all OLG online customers. However, younger players must actively select one after triggering the threshold.

OLG says the measure introduces an additional layer of protection without removing player choice. Rather than imposing a universal cap, the corporation encourages players to consider their spending habits before continuing to gamble.

Why OLG Has Introduced the New Policy

In a press release, the OLG's decision stems from research showing that younger adults face a greater risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.

Tony Bitonti, OLG's Director of Media Relations, said the organization believes deposit limits can encourage healthier gambling habits.

"Evidence also shows that pre-commitment tools like deposit limits are effective in supporting safer play because they help players to pause and consider what they are comfortable spending," added Bitonti. "This builds on that foundation by strengthening early engagement with these tools."

Bitonti also emphasized that the policy targets a demographic often considered more vulnerable than older players.

"The parameters for the deposit limit are consistent with deposit limits available to all OLG online players. While the deposit limits are consistent for players across OLG's channels, what's important here is that we're encouraging this group of players, which research consistently identifies as potentially more vulnerable to gambling-related harm than other age groups, to pause and consider what they are comfortable depositing through mandatory deposit limits."

The policy aligns with OLG's broader responsible gambling strategy, which focuses on prevention rather than intervention after problems emerge.

Ontario Gambling Industry Reaction Highlights Potential Limitations

While government officials and OLG have presented the initiative as a proactive step, some responsible gambling experts believe the measure does not go far enough.

Among the most vocal critics is Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University.

One criticism centers on the fact that OLG is not imposing a hard spending cap. Instead, players are required to choose their own limit after making a large deposit. Critics argue that players already willing to deposit significant amounts may simply select a very high limit.

Experts have also raised concerns about the policy's limited scope. Ontario gambling operates within a competitive regulated market that includes numerous private operators. As a result, a player who reaches a self-imposed limit on OLG platforms can potentially continue gambling elsewhere.

Industry observers note that popular operators across Canada online casinos and Canada online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365, are not covered by the OLG-specific policy.

Critics argue that a more comprehensive solution would involve centralized monitoring and cumulative deposit limits across all licensed operators.

Others have pointed to possible workarounds. Because the trigger activates after a single deposit of C$500 or more, players could theoretically avoid it by making multiple smaller deposits below the threshold.

Despite these concerns, many observers still view the measure as a meaningful first step toward stronger player protections.

Ontario's Expanding iGaming Market Creates New Regulatory Challenges

The new policy arrives as Ontario's regulated online gambling market continues to grow rapidly.

Since launching its competitive iGaming framework in 2022, the province has attracted dozens of licensed operators. The expansion has created more consumer choice while generating significant revenue for the province.

However, growth has also increased pressure on regulators and operators to ensure gambling remains safe and sustainable.

Younger adults have become a particular focus for this policy. This is because they are more likely to engage with digital entertainment platforms and mobile wagering products. As participation increases, policymakers continue searching for ways to balance consumer freedom with effective safeguards.

OLG's latest initiative reflects that balancing act. While debate continues over its effectiveness, the measure demonstrates Ontario's ongoing commitment to responsible gambling as the province's online gaming market evolves.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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