Key Points
- Sweepstakes casino operater VGW is pulling its operation out of Canada
- The company intends to focus all its North American attention on the US market
- Among VGW properties are Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots and Global Poker
At a time when many sweepstakes casino operators are wondering if they have a future in the US market, Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) is planning to dive into the US with both feet.
The Australian-owned company announced that it is ceasing all of its sweepstakes casino operations in Canada. VGW is devoting its entire North American focus to the US market.
VGW operates sweepstakes casino sites Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots. The sweepstakes poker site Global Poker is also a VGW property.
"After careful consideration, we've made a strategic commercial decision guided by our business priorities," VGW said in a statement sent to Chumba Casino customers in Canada. "This allows us to focus our resources and investment in a way that supports the ongoing success of the business.
"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."
As of August 28, Canadian customers will no longer be able to purchase packages of Gold Coins on any VGW site. The ability to play games on any VGW site in Canada will be halted on September 25. Players will still be able to redeem Sweepstakes Coins for prizes after this date, though. Finally, on October 23, Canadian players will no longer be able to access any VGW site.
Sweepstakes casinos facing scrutiny in the US market
The timing of this decision does seem a bit odd. The sweepstakes casino industry finds itself under fire in the US market. A number of state governments have recently banned these operations, including major players in the gambling industry such as New Jersey and New York. California's state assembly is presently considering a bill that would outlaw sweepstakes casinos in the state.
VGW recently ceased operations in both New York and New Jersey. Other states in which the company doesn't offer its services include Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
The company is also facing a class-action suit filed in US District Court in California. Along with California, the suit also claims to represent VGW users from Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
The suit was filed on behalf of spouses who share bank accounts with VGW customers. It claims that they never agreed to VGW's terms and conditions.
Payment processors Yodlee and Trustly, ID verification vendor Jumio, and slots influencer Brian Christopher, all partners of VGW, are also named in the suit. None of the claims has been proven in court.
These are busy times for VGW
The planned exit from Canada is just the latest change in the business landscape for VGW. The company recently
entered into an agreement
with the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria tribe. This partnership will see the two entities partner to offer social and sweepstakes casino platforms in California. California's tribes control all land-based casino operations in the state.
Company founder and CEO Laurence Escalante recently completed a successful $2.08 billion takeover of the company. He purchased the 30% of VGW stock he didn't already own and is taking the company private.
Escalante is also planning to incorporate VGW in Guernsey. This self-governing British Crown dependency, an island in the English Channel, is a well-known offshore tax haven. Moving there should aid VGW's tax burden and in dealing with any future regulatory issues.
1.
Bet now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4.
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
5.
Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
Daily picks from betting experts on odds boosts and casino promos
