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If you’ve spent any time spinning reels on Chumba Casino, dealing hands on Global Poker, or chasing bonuses on LuckyLand Slots, you’ve probably seen the name VGW pop up. It’s the operator behind those sweepstakes casinos, and right now it’s doing some spring cleaning of its market list.
The big decision? Saying goodbye to Canada and doubling down on the United States — even though some states there are giving VGW headaches, too.
If you’re in Canada or one of the states where VGW is pulling the plug, the playbook is pretty straightforward: log in, use your Sweeps Coins, and cash out before the clock runs out.
Chumba Casino stops selling Gold Coins on Aug. 28. By Sept. 24, you won’t be able to play games anymore, though you’ll still get a grace period to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes. On Oct. 23, it’s a full farewell for both Chumba Casino and Global Poker.
Why VGW folded on Canada’s sweepstakes casino market
VGW bowing out of Canada might feel a little puzzling at first. After all, the country wasn’t exactly breathing down its neck with strict rules, and regulators had largely let the company operate without major hurdles.
So why pull the plug? VGW says it’s nothing dramatic — just a “strategic, isolated decision.” Simply put, Canada’s player pool is small compared with the massive crowd in the U.S., and that’s where the company would rather put its energy.
A VGW spokesperson said:
“We understand this is an adjustment after many years, and our valued Canadian players may be disappointed. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, and our focus is on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes and that this transition is as smooth as possible.”
When the house wins: Several states ban sweepstakes casinos
The U.S. hasn’t exactly rolled out a red carpet either. VGW has already pulled out of a handful of states. New York was one of the most talked-about exits, where players were told to use their Sweeps Coins before the sweepstakes doors officially closed.
Other states where VGW has waved goodbye include:
- Michigan
- Delaware
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- Washington
Basically, if state regulators are giving side-eye to sweepstakes casinos, VGW isn’t sticking around to test the limits.
But it’s not all exits. There was a surprising comeback in the South: Alabama and Georgia, which were off the sweepstakes map for a while, are now back in play. Thanks to court decisions that loosened restrictions, VGW and other operators have tiptoed back in. It’s a reminder that the sweepstakes world is messy, and a “no” today can turn into a “yes.”
VGW’s next move in the sweepstakes casino game
For everyone else, the message is clear: These games will keep popping in and out of different states, and the only constant is change. VGW isn’t gone; it’s just picking its battles. For now, the U.S. remains its main focus.
