Virtual Gaming World’s (VGW) Global Poker brand is planning to shutter operations in Nevada.
Global Poker informed players that its sweepstakes offering in Nevada will no longer be available to players starting on April 15, 2025. Starting next April, Global Poker customers will no longer have access to their accounts and personal data associated with their accounts. Customers will also be barred from making any redemption requests in April.
“We understand that this news may be disappointing and we want to assure you this decision was not made lightly but made as part of our continual evaluation of our operations in the interests of all our stakeholders,” said Global Poker in the email.
The shuttering of Global Poker’s sweepstakes offering in Nevada will take place on a roll-out basis with players unable to purchase the platform’s Gold Coins starting in January. A month later, customers will no longer be able to play Global Poker’s games but will be able to redeem their sweepstakes coins for prizes with mail-in requests discontinued.
“Your ongoing support and loyalty to our community is greatly appreciated, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being an integral part of our journey,” continued Global Poker.
Myriad of issues for VGW
Global Poker is exiting Nevada as its parent company faces regulatory scrutiny nationwide.
Earlier this year, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement confirmed to SBC Americas that it ordered VGW to cease offering online sweepstakes casino products in the state. VGW also shuttered its sweeps in Connecticut after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. VGW was sent the letter amid allegations of conducting unlicensed gambling in violation of state law.
VGW has also been ordered to cease operations in Michigan, Idaho and Washington.
The sweepstakes giant is also facing legal scrutiny as it recently filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit in Georgia. The suit, filed by Destiny Kennedy, alleges that VGW brands operate in the state as legal casinos. In response, VGW has also filed a motion to compel arbitration. A similar class action against VGW in the state was dismissed last week.
Perth-based VGW is the largest sweepstakes casino operator in the world with brands that also include Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots. The operator holds roughly 50% of the market share for its online sweepstakes products, down from a high of 90% in 2020, according to data provided by Eilers & Krejcik. Last fiscal year, VGW generated just over $4 billion in revenue compared to $3.1 billion for the year prior.
