Bgo Casino

Review by playblackjackonline.co.uk

BGO CASINO REVIEW
BGO started out as Bingo specialist XBingo, before 2012 saw it undergo both a name change and a radical overhaul that expanded to take in casino games, slots and, more recently, sports betting. The overwhelming number of options could make this a bloodbath, but each aspect of BGO's operations is neatly partitioned. So 'Casino' is the place to go to for traditional table games (like blackjack and roulette), while 'Vegas' takes you to the slots. A separate 'Macau' section gives you access to Live Dealer versions of blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

We must confess that the range of names can initially be a little confusing. How many new users, for instance, would realise that the Live Dealer games were placed under their own 'Macau' tab, rather than sitting within the standard Casino section? Nonetheless, once you've grasped the terminology, it's relatively straightforward to glance through the selection of games. It's certainly nice for blackjack specialists not to have to pick out their choices from a dense forest of slots titles.

Pick and Mix Games Library

Rather than offering all of the titles from a single software provider, BGO has adopted a pick and mix approach, pulling the best games from several different companies. So Netent's Blackjack Pro range and Microgaming's HiLo 13 European Blackjack Gold, for instance, rub shoulders with IGT's Hot Streak Blackjack and Playtech's Blackjack Progressive. While this makes for slightly uneven quality levels, the sheer wealth of titles gives you some great options. All games are provided as Flash versions, so there's no software to download. Since the different titles come from a number of different software providers, loading times will vary significantly. The relatively simple Netent games were available to us within seconds, for instance, but the more sophisticated Microgaming versions could take significantly longer.

Many of the games enhance play with interesting side-bets. Playtech's compulsive Blackjack Progressive lets you add to a fund that builds game by game - the first to turn up four suited aces scoops the lot. Prizes are also dished out for smaller numbers of aces, adding extra excitement to each game. IGT's 20+ Bonus variation lets you bet additional amounts (with a 20:1 payout) on the possibility of drawing a hand totalling 20 or 21 - irrespective of whether you win the hand or not. The Win Win Blackjack game allows players who have gone bust to carry their final card over to start a new five-card sequence - draw a great hand here, and they could rescue their hand with a payout of up to 25:1. Those just looking for the lowest house edge aren't left out either, thanks to Single-Deck Blackjack Pro. It's not the very best single-deck version, as the dealer gets to hit on a soft 17, but you do get the full 3:2 payout when you turn up a blackjack. The live dealer games are handled by Microgaming, and offer a superb experience. You can even select your own dealer, and the stunning HD video is some of the best seen on any live dealer game.

Blackjack on the Move

BGO has recently launched its 'Mobile' section. This caters for Android, Apple and Blackberry devices, although you do get a more restricted range of titles - this is likely to change in the future. If your mobile device supports Flash (Apple iOS doesn't), you're free to play any of the site's normal games. Bear in mind that these won't be optimised for mobile use, and some of the buttons will be a little small. Blackjack is fairly straightforward in terms of in-game options, so this is less likely to be a concern for blackjack enthusiasts.

Limited but Intriguing Payment Options

In contrast to its games titles, BGO doesn't have the widest selection of payment options. The likes of Neteller and Skrill are conspicuous by their absence, for instance - as perhaps the superior method for funding gaming accounts, it's a real shame not see them supported. However, there are some very interesting alternatives. PayPal is a great little option for those who don't want their credit card details being released, while Ukash is a nice voucher system that will find favour with those who dislike credit cards and electronic wallets.

It's great to see a site that's serious about its responsibility towards its users, and the ability to customise deposit limits is a great device for guarding against those disastrous red mist days. The site contains much useful information for gambling addicts.

We like BGO's different approach to selecting their games. They've chosen some of the more interesting titles from each software provider, creating a library that's highly varied, but also rather fascinating. We'd really like to see support for e-Wallets, like Neteller and/or Skrill. Apart from that, though, it's hard not to be impressed.