The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement has finally gotten VGW to stop operating in the state.
The regulatory body announced the news in a press release, stating that they conducted a thorough investigation before concluding that VGW sites like Luckyland, Chumba and Global Poker are, in their estimation, operating as illegal casino sites. They issued a cease and desist and, as of April 2, Delaware residents are no longer allowed to play on the site.
What the release does not mention is when the cease and desist was actually issued.
VGW disagrees with DE regulators
In relation to a statement issued by the Delaware Department of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) on 07 April, 2025, VGW stands by its online, casino-themed, free-to-play social games and sweepstakes promotions and continues to believe they comply with Delaware law, as well as the laws of all other jurisdictions in which those games continue to be offered. VGW is deeply disappointed at the statement issued and disagrees with its assertions,” VGW told SBC Americas in a statement.
“In this situation, at the urging of the Delaware Lottery, DGE demanded that VGW cease operating despite the DGE’s own communications acknowledging that VGW’s activities had caused no harm to Delaware residents. VGW attempted to engage with DGE to understand its concerns, repeatedly requesting the opportunity to discuss these issues with the agency, but were rebuffed. As such, VGW elected to voluntarily withdraw its services from Delaware earlier this month, despite disagreeing with the DGE’s position.”
Cease and desist sent to VGW over 2 years ago
The initial cease and desist went out over two years ago with no action until this month.
Last year, Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement confirmed to SBC Americas that it sent a cease and desist to VGW on Feb. 23, 2023. However, it was only during a legal proceeding last August that VGW even became aware the communication was sent.
Delaware is a hub for VGW in the United States and has been the subject of several of the lawsuits brought against the company, as the terms and conditions of the site mandate that all legal action taken against the site be done in the federal Delaware District Court.
VGW remains in many states others have exited
VGW sites have updated terms and conditions to reflect that Delaware residents are no longer allowed to play on the sites. The list of states where VGW no longer operate now includes Delaware, Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada and Washington.
Other sweeps competitors have chosen to exit all states where online casinos are regulated and legal, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A group of operators recently exited New York as well. However, VGW continues to forge its own path when it comes to where in the United States it is offering its games. For example, many major operators have joined the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) but VGW is noticeably absent from the list of members.
