Australian gaming giant VGW has confirmed that it plans to wind down its sweepstakes-style Promotional Play options in West Virginia later this year. This comes as it already wound down some of its sweepstakes operations in New York and New Jersey.
The company, known for Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is still expected to offer its free-to-play Gold Coin games in the state even after the sweepstakes side wraps up.
A VGW spokesperson told ReadWrite, “Following careful consideration, we can confirm we’ve informed players in West Virginia of a decision to phase out Promotional Play (sweepstakes promotions) in the state across our brands.”
The company stressed that its platforms will still be available to players in a free-to-play mode. “Our valued players in West Virginia will still be able to enjoy all their favorite free-to-play games using Gold Coins,” the spokesperson said. “We are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes and that this transition is as smooth as possible.”
The company admitted that the change will be an adjustment for many long-time players. “We understand this is an adjustment after several years of enjoying our industry-leading brands and some players may be disappointed,” they said. “This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made based on a range of factors.”
When will Sweeps Coin Play end in West Virginia?
Starting November 11, 2025, players won’t be able to collect Sweeps Coins anymore. That includes login bonuses, competitions, promotions tied to Gold Coin purchases, or even mail-in requests. Any Sweeps Coins you already have can still be used for Promotional Play at that point.
On November 18, 2025, Sweeps Coins will stop working for gameplay altogether, and the platform will stop accepting mail-in requests for them. You’ll still be able to submit redemption requests, though.
By November 25, 2025, players will no longer be able to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes at all.
West Virginia is joining a growing number of states that are taking steps to stop social gaming companies that use sweepstakes-style prizes, often called “sweepstakes casinos,” from operating within their borders. In January, the state’s Attorney General JB McCuskey reportedly sent subpoenas or cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes operators serving customers in the state.
In a statement, he said: “We have serious concerns about West Virginia consumers, specifically our children, being targeted by illegal gambling operations.
“From day one, my priority has been to protect consumers and ensure our children are not being exposed to these operations or their advertising while at the same time supporting those which are licensed and operating within the confines of the law. At this time, we cannot comment on specific cases or provide any further details.”
In May, Montana became the first US state to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos.
ReadWrite has reached out to Attorney General JB McCuskey’s office for comment.
Featured image: VGW / Canva
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