What’s Happening?
VGW, the Australia‑based operator behind Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is pulling the plug on Sweeps Coins in both Mississippi and New Jersey.
No more dual‑currency workaround, no more cash‑redeemable prizes. Instead, VGW will run as a plain old Gold Coin “social casino.” You can still play the same slots, blackjack, and poker, but once the phase‑out is done, there’s no cash‑out button waiting at the end.
The move comes as regulators and lawmakers crank up the heat, forcing VGW to bow out of states where the legal risk just isn’t worth the gamble anymore.
Why These Two States?
Mississippi came first. After getting slapped with a cease‑and‑desist letter from state gaming regulators in June, VGW decided it wasn’t worth sticking around to see what would happen next.
New Jersey followed suit. Lawmakers passed Assembly Bill A5447 on June 30, a bill that flat‑out redefines sweepstakes casinos as illegal gambling. Even if Gov. Phil Murphy never signs it, the law will automatically kick in on August 14.
Both moves are part of a bigger nationwide trend, as regulators and lawmakers are finally closing the loopholes that dual‑currency sweepstakes casinos have been skating through for years.
Key Dates for Players
| State | Stop Issuing Sweeps Coins | Gameplay Ends | Final Redemption |
| Mississippi | July 31 | August 14 | September 4 |
| New Jersey | July 29 | August 26 | September 24 |
After these dates, any unused Sweeps Coins are gone for good. Gold Coin play will still be available, but without any real‑world payouts.
What’s Driving This?
VGW’s exit from Mississippi and New Jersey isn’t happening in a vacuum. Regulators and lawmakers across the U.S. are finally closing the loopholes that let sweepstakes casinos operate in a gray zone.
Montana has already passed a full ban with felony penalties, Connecticut and Nevada have taken enforcement action, and California’s AB 831 is gaining traction with support from tribal gaming groups.
For VGW, staying put now means risking massive fines, lawsuits, and brand damage. So it’s pulling out before things get ugly.
VGW’s Strategic Retreat
VGW isn’t the only one heading for the exits. High 5 Casino, Funzpoints, McLuck, and Stake.us have all packed up and left states where regulators are tightening the screws or bans are already in place.
But VGW isn’t just retreating, it’s trying to reinvent itself at the same time.
The company has raised its minimum player age from 18 to 21, started charging sales tax on Gold Coin purchases in some states, and even launched its own trade group, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), to lobby for friendlier rules.
It’s clear the company is trying to protect its footprint while adapting to fast‑changing laws.
What Players Should Do
If you have Sweeps Coins in either state:
- Redeem them before the final cutoff date. After that, balances will vanish.
- You’ll still be able to play with Gold Coins, but they can’t be cashed out.
- If you lose access to existing Sweeps Coin balances, consumer protection claims may be an option.
What VGW Is Saying
VGW tried to soften the blow in an email to players, stressing that the move was a business decision, not a spur‑of‑the‑moment call:
“We understand this news may be disappointing and want to assure you that this decision wasn’t made lightly—it was carefully considered based on several business factors. While Promotional Play will no longer be available, you’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite games in Standard Play using Gold Coins.”
It’s the company’s way of saying: you can still play, just don’t expect to cash out anymore.
Why It Matters
VGW’s move is just the latest sign that the dual‑currency sweepstakes casino model is on shaky ground.
With 49 lawsuits pending nationwide, and states increasingly moving from enforcement letters to outright bans, operators are starting to pull out early to avoid legal trouble and reputational damage.
VGW’s strategy, which is to phase out before the hammer drops, might soon become the standard playbook for the entire industry.
Bottom line: For players, the clock is ticking. For operators, the easy days of Sweeps Coins are quickly running out.
Blaise Luis
