We have received the news of the latest suspension of the UKGC – BGO Entertainment Limited no longer has a valid gambling license.
BGO Entertainment’s license was suspended immediately by the UKGC, while not everyone was aware of the raised situation.
But why did the UKGC revoke the licence of BGO Entertainment, under which gambling act was the decision made, and what does that mean for the players of the casino sites that BGO operates? These are some of the most commonly asked questions, and we’ve now got the answers!
WHO ARE BGO ENTERTAINMENT?
BGO Entertainment Limited is an online gambling company that was established in 2012. The privately-owned company focused on the European market intending to provide the best gambling experience to players.
BGO Gamblers might know them better for their slot sites – powerspins.com, vegasluck.com, and chilli.com.
As soon as the BGO Entertainment limited operating license was suspended, the company informed UK players that they will no longer have access to their casino sites.
THE UK GAMBLING COMMISSION
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is a non-departmental regulatory organization of the UK government charged with regulating wagering and overseeing gaming laws in the country.
The Gambling Act 2005 exempts free prize tournaments and drawings from the Commission’s oversight.
That’s the formal structure behind the UKGC. On the other hand, for players from the United Kingdom, a casino having a UKGC license means that they can join the online gaming hub.
UK GAMBLING COMMISSION: GAMBLING ACT 2005
The immediate suspension decision of UKGC’s license has been permitted under Section 118 (2) of the mentioned Act.
Per this clause, the UKFC has the authority to suspend a license if it determines that the licensee’s operations are not in conformity with and are conflicting with the license’s objectives.
Under Section 118 (2), the Commission has the authority to conduct a licensing review of any matter relating to the provision of gaming facilities as authorized under the operating license if:
- The Commission has cause to believe that actions were carried out in ostensible reliance on the license but not in line with one of the license’s conditions;
- The Commission contends that the license holder, or the person who performs a role in relation with or is engaged in the authorized operations, has been convicted of one of the offences listed in section 71(1);
- For whatever reason, assesses that the license holder is unfit to continue the licensed activity, or believes that a review is necessary.
These are the Acts upon which the UKGC has decided to suspend the above operating license of BGO.
WHY DID THE UK GAMBLING COMMISSION (UKGC) SUSPEND BGO’S?
The UKGC has made an official statement regarding the suspension of the operating license of BGO: “The review and consequent suspension follow concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their license 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.”
Other than the previous statement, the UKGC hasn’t disclosed any information on the suspension.
However, BGO Limited having trouble with the UKGC is not news. They’ve had similar issues before, regarding failing to protect consumers, not treating consumers fairly, not managing to prevent money laundering, including a few other anti-licensed activities.
In fact, before the license of BGO Entertainment was revoked, they had to pay a £2 million financial penalty in a negotiated settlement.
Furthermore, BGO was required to perform enhanced due diligence checks on their 250 most loyal clientele as part of the United Kingdom’s Money Laundering Regulations.
WHAT DOES AN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION MEAN FOR THE UK PLAYERS?
An immediate suspension for the players means that they can no longer play at the casino sites: powerspins.com, vegasluck.com, and chilli.com.
Even though gamblers cannot deposit or play at the casinos, withdrawing funds is allowed. That means that BGO is allowing consumers to access their websites, even though they cannot participate in any gambling activities at the given moment.
However, if you’ve never had an account at any of BGO’s casino sites, creating an account now is not possible. Moreover, players shouldn’t be part of a casino that is being operated by a provider that has had issues with the UKGC in the past.
WHAT SHOULD ONLINE CASINOS DO TO MAINTAIN AN UKGC OPERATING LICENCE?
For a casino to be able to get and carry on the licensed activities, it should pay a yearly fee. Moreover, all gambling sites should report to the UKGC for:
- Anti-money laundering
- Alternative dispute resolution for handling customers
- A change in corporate power
- Security disclosure
- Clientele fund’s protection
It is important to note that this is not the full list. All casino operators should stay fully informed and visit the official UKGC website for more information.
WHY DO SLOT SITES LOSE THEIR OPERATING LICENSE?
The UKGC can find an online gambling operator to be unsuitable to carry on licensed activities if:
- They have performed activities contrary to the Act.
- They were deemed incapable to carry licensed activities for any matter connected with legal gambling activities.
- Doesn’t own to fair and transparent practices
It should be noted that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on licensed activities if the Commission managed to follow their concerns.
FAQ
Why was BGO seen as a licensee unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities?
The official reasons weren't disclosed by the UKGC. However, there have been several reports for BGO's activities during the past few years.
Has BGO been accused of criminal spending?
Yes, BGO had been accused of criminal spending in 2020 by the UKGC, for the third time.
Can I withdraw my funds from a casino that is being operated by BGO?
Yes, you can withdraw your funds and winnings given that you've had a casino account at their gambling site. You can access and request your funds through their website, or contact them through email.
