Gambling Commission launches review into BGO and suspends operating licence

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has suspended the operating licence of BGO Entertainment as it carries out a review of the online casino and bingo business.

The suspension will begin immediately, as will the review, after the UKGC revealed that failing to protect consumers was a key consideration in the decision to halt BGO’s operating licence.

The review has been initiated due to concerns that BGO was conducting activities contrary to the 2005 Gambling Act or not in accordance with the conditions of their licence.

The regulator said in a new information notice on 15 October that it was concerned BGO “may be unsuitable to carry on licensed activities”.

“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,” said the UKGC.

The suspension does not prevent BGO from allowing customers to access their accounts and withdraw funds.

BGO, which is also licensed and regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), operates six web domains in the UK.

The operator’s UK portfolio includes flagship site bgo and brands such as Power Spins, Vegas Luck and Chilli Casino.

Former Kindred Group head of UK operations Mark Quayle was appointed as BGO’s new CEO in February 2021.

The operator was previously penalised by the UKGC in October 2020 for social responsibility and AML failings, which resulted in a £2m payment to the national strategy for the prevention of gambling harms.

EGR has contacted BGO for comment.