BGO Casino Review (Closed)
BGO Casino, founded in 2012 by BGO Entertainment Ltd., was a leading European and UK market-facing online casino. It operated under the licences of the UK Gambling Commission and Alderney Gambling Control Commission, boasting an extensive game base, great offers, and a mobile-compatible platform. The casino ceased operations on 31 December 2021 after it had voluntarily surrendered its UKGC licence for failing to deliver consumer protection as well as due to non-conformity to conditions of licensing.
Reason for Closure
BGO Casino stopped taking bets after the UKGC suspended its licence on 22 October 2021. The reasons the regulator stated were breaches of the Gambling Act, including the fact that the operator was doing too little about problem gambling, and failure to comply with terms of its licence. It was also experiencing money problems — it was struggling to repay player balances, so a flurry of complaints led to closing all companies, sister sites included (Vegas Luck, Power Spins, Chilli Casino).
Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome Bonus
New members could receive up to 500 free spins on the Mega Wheel for a minimum deposit of £10 (65x wagering requirement). There were also 10 no-wagering free spins.
Ongoing Offers
Slot tournaments, cashback, wager-free promotions, and a loyalty program in which players could exchange “diamonds” for spins or money.
Criticism
Too much wagering on requirements and capped bonus wins were a frequent cause of frustration.
Game Selection
The casino featured around 900–1,000 games from Playtech, NetEnt, Microgaming, Quickspin, and others. Major sections were:
Slots
Slots: Gonzo’s Quest, Terminator 2, Age of the Gods, and jackpot games like Mega Pyramid.
Table Games
Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker (e.g. Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild).
Live Casino
Live Blackjack, Age of the Gods Roulette, and Baccarat from Playtech and Evolution.
Bingo & More
Bingo rooms Golden Galaxy and Fairy Delight, and scratch cards.
Criticism
The absence of a number of well-known suppliers (e.g. Betsoft) and the infrequency of updating the games library were complained about.
Mobile Experience
BGO offered apps exclusive to iOS and Android, and a mobile-optimised website supporting 90% of its games. The mobile site was intuitive, though older Android phones occasionally crashed.
Payments
Options: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard. Min. withdrawal and deposit £10.
Withdrawal Time: E-wallets — 24 hours; bank transfer and cards — 3–5 working days. Processing time — 24 to 48 hours.
Criticism
After licence suspension, withdrawals were sluggish, and a few players never received their funds.
Support
Customer care was provided using live chat (12:00–19:00 GMT), email, and an FAQ webpage. Responses via email could take up to 24 hours. Most players lamented poor service, particularly relating to withdrawal issues.
Security
The casino used SSL encryption and provided RTPs for its games. In 2017, the UKGC also penalized BGO £300,000 for irresponsible marketing, and in 2021 cited breakdowns in responsible gambling controls. While the security index was extremely high (8.9/10), complaints of frozen accounts and delayed payments tarnished its reputation.
Player Feedback
Positive
Players praised wager-free bonuses, slot and bingo variety, and fast payouts prior to 2021.
Negative
Account suspensions were a common complaint, there were too many KYC checks, withdrawals were often denied, and support was not helpful in the casino’s last few months.
BGO Casino was previously a market leader with good bonuses, a varied game selection, and a good mobile experience. However, issues around licensing, inadequate player protection, and financial trouble caused it to close down — a warning to the industry of the need for regulatory compliance.
Player Reviews and Complaints