VGW Keeps Playing In Arizona Despite Shutdown Order

Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) continues operating in Arizona almost two years after regulators ordered it to stop. The sweepstakes casino operator disputes the allegations, while the state still considers its activities unlicensed gambling.

Good To Know

• Arizona issued the first shutdown order in November 2024.
• VGW disputes that its free-play gaming model constitutes gambling.
• The state has brought no civil or criminal charges against VGW.

Arizona Says Stop While VGW Carries On

For VGW, the instruction to stop appears to have become a discussion point. Spokesperson Michael Bennet said the company remained confident it complied with applicable laws and supported talks about regulation. However, VGW did not answer questions about why it continues operating in Arizona, according to reporting attributed to the Arizona Republic.

Meanwhile, its political cheque book has stayed busy across party lines. VGW contributed more than $200,000 to groups associated with Arizona Democrats, including organizations supporting Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes. Affiliate Luckyland also donated to a group backing Hobbs.

Republican groups received funding too: $140,000 for efforts to retain control of the state legislature and $10,000 for a group supporting Warren Petersen, who is challenging Mayes. Those donations alone do not establish any connection to enforcement decisions.

The underlying dispute concerns Chumba Casino, Global Poker and Luckyland Slots. Regulators argue that buying virtual currency and redeeming winnings for cash or prizes makes the platforms unlicensed gambling, even with free entry available.

VGW relies on that free entry option to argue otherwise. Arizona rejected the explanation in December 2024 and repeated its shutdown demand. The company has nevertheless carried on.

Department spokesperson Jessica Roza said earlier this week that officials still consider the activities unlawful and are assessing enforcement options. The office of the attorney general says the overseas VGW headquarters complicates prosecution.

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