New Jersey Bill Pushes VGW to Shut Down Games

New Jersey players logging into Chumba Casino or Luckyland Slots this week might notice something missing—and it’s not just a game update.

Good to know

• VGW will stop offering sweepstakes games in New Jersey by August 14.
• Players have until August 26 to use their Sweeps Coins.
• No more redemptions will be allowed after September 24.

Virtual Gaming Worlds, known for operating Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and Luckyland Slots, is preparing to exit the New Jersey market. This follows a state bill—Assembly Bill A5447—aimed squarely at shutting down sweepstakes-style casinos. Though Governor Phil Murphy hasn’t signed it yet, the measure automatically becomes law on August 14 if left untouched.

VGW didn’t wait around for the ink to dry. The company confirmed that its sweepstakes products will no longer be available to New Jersey users. In a message to players, it said, “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.”

Instead of Sweeps Coins, which power the platform’s promotional gameplay and allow prize redemptions, users will only have access to Gold Coins. These are used purely for fun and don’t offer any way to win real-world rewards. It’s a clear pivot away from the dual-currency system that’s become standard in the sweepstakes model.

That setup—one virtual currency used for entertainment, another that can be redeemed for prizes—has helped operators like VGW skirt traditional gambling regulations. Since real money isn’t technically required to participate, these platforms have operated in a legal gray area. But New Jersey’s legislators have now drawn a hard line.

For VGW players in New Jersey, the key dates are already set:

1. No more Sweeps Coins distributed after July 29.
2. All Sweeps Coins must be used by August 26.
3. Redemption of prizes ends September 24.

The company’s promotional games will wind down, but users can still fire up their favorite titles using Gold Coins. That said, the experience will shift from prize-driven to purely recreational.

VGW isn’t alone in bracing for impact. Other sweepstakes operators are also rethinking their presence in the Garden State as legal momentum builds. For now, the future of sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey looks all but written.

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