BGO set to remove wagering requirements

Wagering B-GOne

BGO has announced that it will be removing wagering requirements from all bonuses on the 15th October, in what the operator is describing as a “bold move”.

We’ve seen multiple sites shift to a no wagering model in recent times (including Hunky Bingo and Zinger Bingo), but BGO is arguably the biggest operator to make a move like this, perhaps with the exception of Tombola who have always operated a no wagering policy.

According to Hannah Westley, CFO of BGO Entertainment, the move is largely down to player feedback, as wagering requirements were generating “a lot of queries” with the site’s customer service team.

“We obviously list them in the T&Cs, but your average player doesn’t immediately understand what a turn requirement means, and can become frustrated easily when not being able to withdraw immediately after a win with an active bonus.”

“In our opinion, real players aren’t interested in bonuses laced with restrictive terms… It is our aim to turn the model on its head and win loyal customers over by offering a fair and simple environment in which to play.”

It’s a strong statement, but it is also a fair assessment of the bonus culture that has eclipsed the online bingo and casino world in recent years.

Sites are offering bigger and bigger bonuses, but these come with bigger and bigger restrictions; a 500% bonus sounds great on paper, but tight wagering requirements mean players are often unlikely to really see any of that bonus money in their “real cash” account.

"A thing of the past"

In the same press release, BGO’s CMO Allan Turner also called for the whole industry to follow their example: “Hopefully BGO can demonstrate to the industry that restrictive bonus wagering conditions are not the way to go, and we can make them a thing of the past.”

Whether BGO’s example will make other operators consider their positions on wagering requirements remains to be seen, but we’re highly supportive of the stance that the company is taking.

Every bingo/casino operator should put the wants and needs of the players first, and BGO is clearly demonstrating that with this move. If more companies follow suit, it’s sure to help make the industry fairer and safer for all parties.

BGO is set to remove all wagering requirements on October 15th, and this move will apply to both BGO Bingo and BGO Casino. It will also apply to BGO owned slot site Power Spins. Stay tuned to OnlineBingo.co.uk for all the latest.