Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), a major name in social gaming and dual-currency sweepstakes platforms, is preparing to fully withdraw from the Canadian market. The operator announced that its popular brands Chumba Casino and Global Poker will no longer be available to Canadian users after October 23, 2025.
The decision, communicated to players via email, means the shutdown will affect both free-play access and real-money sweepstakes gaming. VGW confirmed that the exit applies nationwide, including in Ontario, where regulated online casino gaming and sports betting are available, but excludes Quebec, where the games have historically been restricted.
According to VGW, the closure follows what the company describes as a āstrategic, isolatedā move to realign its priorities and resources with its larger U.S. operations.
Phaseout Timeline for Canadian Players
VGW has shared a clear schedule to guide its Canadian players through the shutdown process.
- August 28: Purchases of Gold Coins will be disabled. Existing Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins in player accounts can still be used for gameplay.
- September 25: Access to all games will end, but players will still be able to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes.
- October 23: All access to Chumba Casino and Global Poker will be blocked, completing the companyās exit from Canada.
āWe understand this is an adjustment after many years and our valued Canadian players may be disappointed,ā a company spokesperson stated. āThis decision wasnāt taken lightly and our focus is on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth as possible.ā
A Strategic Shift Toward the U.S. Market
VGW explained that while Canadian players have supported the platforms for years, the market represents only a small fraction of its overall business. āOur Canadian business is relatively small, as the vast majority of our players reside in the larger U.S. market, where we will concentrate our management focus, resources, and investment going forward,ā the spokesperson said.
The operator, based in Australia, has been a key player in the social and sweepstakes gaming sector and is a founding member of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). The company emphasized that the decision to leave Canada was not influenced by regulatory pressures in the country.
Regulatory Pressure in the United States
While Canada has permitted the dual-currency sweepstakes model without significant oversight, the U.S. regulatory environment has become more challenging. Over the past year, multiple states have increased scrutinyĀ of sweepstakes operators like VGW, leading to operational changes in approximately a dozen jurisdictions.
States including New York, New Jersey, Montana, Washington, Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, Delaware, and Idaho have implemented restrictions or outright bans on sweepstakes casinos. Earlier this year, VGW ceased Sweeps Coin play in New York and New Jersey amid legislative pushes to block these platforms.
A Broader Business Realignment
The Canadian exit also comes as VGW undergoes significant structural changes. The company recently completed a move to become a privately held entity, with majority owner Laurence EscalanteĀ acquiring the remaining shares. Registration for the company will shift to Guernsey, a change expected to reduce tax and regulatory burdens while allowing VGW to focus more resources on its core markets.
Despite leaving Canada, VGW has not indicated any plans to scale back its presence in the United States, where the majority of its player base is located.
DraftKings Keeps Credit Card Deposits in Canada
While changes are happening with VGW, DraftKings has confirmedĀ that credit card deposits will remain available for Canadian customers, including those in Ontario. This comes as the U.S.-based operator discontinues credit card payments in its home market starting August 25, 2025, citing a move to help customers avoid cash advance fees and high interest rates.
A spokesperson clarified that Ontario players will not be affected, as the provinceās regulated market continues to allow a variety of funding methods, including credit cards, debit cards, INTERAC, and digital wallets. DraftKings also recently expanded its footprint in the province by launching its Golden Nugget Online Casino brand, adding more gaming options for local players.
Source:Ā
VGW pulling plug on Chumba Casino, Global Poker across Canada, canadiangamingbusiness.com, August 24, 2025.
