The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the licence of BGO Entertainment LTD with immediate effect from 15th October 2021.
Full details are yet to emerge as the UKGC carry out a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005. A press release on the Gambling Commission’s website hints at failings by the casino to protect players:
“The review and consequent suspension follows concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities. Failing to protect consumers was a key consideration in the suspension decision.“
The gaming company operates a number of brands including BGO, VegasLuck, PowerSpins and Chilli Casino. Their 7Casino brand is unaffected as it does not offer its services in Great Britain. UK customers of BGO and sister sites are able to withdraw funds at the casino but will be unable to deposit or play until further notice and upon visiting the popular website will be greeted by this message:
“Following a notification from the Gambling Commission of Great Britain that BGO Entertainment limited operating licence has been suspended, it is with regret that we have to inform you that UK players are not currently permitted to access any of our services.“
BGO Entertainment Ltd is a privately owned company based in Alderney, Guernsey, operating BGO Casino. The online casino received a huge boost to its popularity through a string of tv adverts featuring Verne Troyer and Paris Hilton.
In 2017, BGO was forced to pay £300,000 for repeated failings in their advertising and breach of the social responsibility codes stipulated in the 2015 LCCP (Licenced Conditions and Codes of Practice). BGO were the first operator to be fined for advertising failings by the UKGC following concerns raised in 2015.
Late in 2020, BGO were advised to ‘improve’ operations, specifically relating to safer gambling and anti-money laundering procedures and charged with a £2 million contribution towards the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.