VGW Ends Canadian Operations for Chumba Casino and Global Poker

Canadian online casino players are bracing for a big change. VGW Holdings, the parent company of Chumba Casino and Global Poker, has confirmed it will pull out of Canada, cutting off access to both sites by late October.

Good to know

• Canadian players can keep using their existing Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins until September 25.
• Prize redemptions with Sweeps Coins remain available until October 23.
• VGW has already withdrawn from more than 10 U.S. states facing regulatory crackdowns.

VGW explained the move directly to customers in an email, writing:

“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.”

The company laid out a step-by-step exit plan. Starting August 28, Canadian users could still spend the Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins already in their accounts, but new purchases were blocked. By September 25, gameplay will stop entirely. The last day to cash out Sweeps Coins for prizes is October 23.

VGW also hinted at bigger business priorities. “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,” the company noted.

The Canadian exit follows a familiar pattern. Earlier this year, VGW stopped operating in states like New York and New Jersey after lawmakers pushed bills designed to ban sweepstakes casinos outright. In total, the operator has left around a dozen states, including Connecticut, Michigan, Mississippi, and Delaware.

Behind these retreats is a wider plan to ease regulatory pressures. VGW has shifted its corporate registration to Guernsey after going private, a move led by majority owner Laurence Escalante. Already holding 70% of the business, Escalante purchased the remaining shares earlier this month. The new structure should reduce VGW’s regulatory obligations and tax load while keeping its Australian operations active.

What remains unclear is whether VGW intends to keep any presence in North America at all. For Canadian players, the shutdown of Chumba Casino and Global Poker marks the end of a long run with two of the most recognizable sweepstakes casino brands.

Last week, VGW Holdings was hit with a class action in California federal court, naming partners like Trustly, Yodlee, Jumio, and influencer Brian Christopher.

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