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VGW has begun implementing a three-phase plan to end promotional play with Sweeps Coins on its sweepstakes platforms in West Virginia. The first phase, which began Tuesday, involved suspending free Sweeps Coins collection and code generation. The second phase halted all Sweeps Play on Nov. 18, and the final phase will end all redemptions on Nov. 25.
The move applies to all three of VGW’s platforms in the state: Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker. VGW had already notified users of the planned phaseout. Players can continue to enjoy entertainment-only gameplay using Gold Coins during and after the transition.
A pattern of state exits for VGW
VGW has been retreating from multiple states amid increased regulatory scrutiny. West Virginia now brings the total to 12 states, which also include:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Washington
Most of the exits occurred within the past year.
Outside the US, VGW has also been withdrawing from the Canadian market in phases. The process began Aug. 28, when Chumba Casino and Global Poker restricted Gold Coin purchases. The next phase took effect Sept. 25, when the platforms blocked access to games, only allowing players to redeem existing prizes. VGW ceased all Canadian operations on Oct. 23.
A bleak future for sweepstakes casinos in the US?
The future looks uncertain for sweepstakes casinos in the US, given the ongoing wave of regulatory scrutiny across various states. Several sweepstakes casinos have been sued. The most high-profile case is the lawsuit against Stake.us by the city of Los Angeles. Crown Coins is also facing a class-action lawsuit in Ohio, while Pulsz Casino and Thrillzz Casino were forced to exit Arizona.
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 into law, prohibiting sweepstakes-style gaming in the state, effective January 1, 2026. This came despite petitions from the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, which stated that 85% of residents would prefer regulation and taxation over an outright ban. California’s action is currently the strongest signal of US lawmakers’ opposition to sweepstakes casinos, and the trend may continue. A similar bill awaits the signature of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
App platforms and game providers are also distancing themselves from sweepstakes casinos. Google recently banned sweepstakes casinos from advertising under the “social gaming” category on its platforms, a move that significantly limits how these operators can market themselves. Meanwhile, game providers are pulling content — Pragmatic Play exited the US sweepstakes market entirely after being named in the Los Angeles lawsuit against Stake.us.
Beyond regulatory pressure, VGW’s move is also tied to ongoing company restructuring under new owner Laurence Escalante. According to VGW, the decision is a strategic commercial choice aimed at focusing resources on sustainable markets and realigning business priorities.
