BGO Gets Red Flag from UK Gambling Commission

BGO Entertainment Limited formally notified their online gambling customers that the UK Gambling Commission suspended their license and they will cease operating services with immediate effect. This follows a press release from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission announcing that they implemented the suspension earlier this week.

“We have made it clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them.”

On the 15th of October, British citizens were informed that while the Regulator carries out a review under section 116 of the 2005 Gambling Act, the casino operator may only assist their existing clients with accessing their accounts for withdrawals.

The investigation relates to questions on whether the operator contravened its license agreements and conditions, based on certain activities that may have been in contradiction with the Act.

 BGO May Be Unsuitable

The Act stipulates in section 118 (2) that under these circumstances a suspension will take effect immediately and the Regulator is in the process of establishing whether BGO may be unsuitable to continue with licensed activities in the UK.

In line with the UKGC’s licensing objectives, consumer protection was a central deliberation point for arriving at the suspension verdict. While we await more details on what spurred the inquest, we can only wonder whether it relates to the judgment upheld by UKGC that cost BGO ₤2 million.

The online casino operator paid the settlement based on findings that they failed to keep consumers safe. Their poor anti-money laundering protocols were also a point of major concern.

Based on findings that BGO failed to take action when exuberant amounts of up to six figures were spent on their sites, UKGC attached new conditions to their operating license.  Subsequently, the company agreed to improve internal protocols and said they would place a specific focus on the top 125 largest losses and deposits recorded for individual players.

 BGO to Cooperate With UKCG

Online casinos operated by BGO are bgo.com, m.bgo.com, powerspins.com, vegasluck.com and chilli.com and these sites are all suspended. Consumers will be able to contact the casinos via their respective client services portals and channels should they wish to withdraw funds at this time.

A message posted on the sites explain the situation shortly:

“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.

We’re working with the UKGC to resolve this situation quickly, but in the meantime, you are able to withdraw any funds currently in your account. Deposits will not be permitted.”

BGO customers were also notified via email correspondence.

 UKGC Keeping Operators on Their Toes

Great Britain's online gambling Commission ensures the country has a well-regulated igaming market by keeping license holders accountable to the letter of the law. BGO’s suspension, and other regulatory action taken in the past, pays testament to the Commission’s continued commitment to protecting their consumers.