Strategic Withdrawal
VGW, the operator behind sweepstakes-style platforms like Chumba Casino and Global Poker, is officially pulling the plug on Canada, and fast. This isn’t a sudden lockdown however, it’s a phased shutdown starting in late August and wrapping up on October 23, 2025.
If you’re a Canadian player, you’ve got a short window to prepare. No more buying coins, no more gameplay, no more last-minute withdrawals, so now’s the time to act.
Your Exit Checklist: What’s Happening When
Here’s the timeline you need to know:
| Date | What’s Changing |
| Aug 28 | Can’t buy new Gold Coins, but you can spend what’s in your account. |
| Sept 25 | Gameplay shuts down; only Sweeps Coin redemption remains. |
| Oct 23 | Final day to cash out; platforms go dark in Canada. |
After October 23, accounts will be inaccessible, but VGW says they’ll retain any necessary data under their privacy policy.
VGW’s Message to Players
In an email quoted by Canadian Gaming Business, VGW told players:
“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.”
Why Is VGW Leaving Canada
Unlike the U.S., Canada isn’t banning sweepstakes. VGW calls this a “strategic decision.” The reason is simple: Canada contributes very little revenue. The U.S. makes up around 98% of the sweepstakes market.
With legal battles mounting in several U.S. states, VGW is consolidating where the money is.
Why VGW’s Exit Is a Bigger Deal Than It Looks
This isn’t just some quiet sign-off—it’s a sign of the times:
- 98% of VGW’s revenue comes from the U.S: Canada makes up just a tiny portion of VGW’s business. Industry data highlights the the U.S. is where most of the money is coming in from, so it’s no surprise that the company is focusing investments where it really counts. So if you’re wondering “Why now?”—that’s your answer.
- Regulatory pressure is heating up: VGW has already withdrawn from several U.S. states (New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Michigan, Connecticut, among others) following new bans and aggressive legal challenges. Canada may be peaceful for now, but VGW’s clearly getting its house in order.
- Corporate restructuring underway: VGW recently went private through a buyout by majority owner Laurence Escalante and moved its official HQ to Guernsey (yes, that tiny island with big tax perks). This lays the groundwork for a leaner, more compliant future, focused squarely on the U.S. market with heavy legal challenges ahead.
What Canadian Players Need to Do Now
Don’t wait:
- Spend your Gold Coins before August 28.
- Grab prizes using Sweeps Coins before September 25.
- Redeem any remaining value before the final cutoff on October 23.
Mark those dates! Once the switch flips, access, and your winnings, could vanish.
Why This Matters to You
For Canadian players: This is your final heads-up, redeem your coins and cash out before the clock runs out.
For VGW: It’s a smart move to trim the fat and focus on the U.S., where the real money’s at.
For the sweepstakes world: The message is loud and clear: operators are tightening up, and the easy days might be over. Between stricter rules and shifting markets, the game is changing fast.
Blaise Luis
