VGW to end Chumba Casino and Global Poker access in Canada on Sept. 25

Canadian players of Chumba Casino and Global Poker will lose access to the platforms beginning September 25, as parent company Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) phases out of the country and sets a final redemption deadline of October 23.

VGW notified customers of the change through email, stating: “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.”

Exit timeline

The company outlined the following schedule for Canadian users:

• Aug. 28: Purchases of Gold Coins stop, though existing Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins can still be used.
• Sept. 25: Games on Chumba Casino and Global Poker will no longer be available.
• Oct. 23: Last day for customers to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes.

VGW added in its communication: “After careful consideration, we’ve made a strategic commercial decision guided by our business priorities. This allows us to focus our resources and investment in a way that supports the ongoing success of the business.”

Regulatory withdrawals in the US

The company’s Canadian exit follows similar withdrawals in the United States. Over the past year, VGW has left roughly a dozen states, including New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Washington, Montana, Mississippi, Michigan, Louisiana, Connecticut, Delaware and Idaho.

VGW departed New York in May after lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit sweepstakes casinos. The company also exited New Jersey in anticipation of restrictions.

The Canadian phaseout comes during a corporate transition for VGW. Majority shareholder Laurence Escalante, who previously held a 70% stake, received approval from shareholders earlier this month to acquire the remaining 30%. The buyout makes VGW a privately held company.

While VGW continues operations in Australia, the entity will be registered in Guernsey. The shift in registration is expected to change the company’s tax and regulatory obligations.