VGW Sweepstakes Sites Leave the State of Michigan

Considering the fate of Golden Hearts Games and its legal constraints, VGW took the decision to move its operations out of the state of Michigan. Players will no longer be able to use the services of all of their sweepstakes casinos – Chumba, Global Poker, and LuckyLand Slots.

Michigan Against Sweepstakes Gaming Sites

In September 2023, the local law in the state headed by the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, ceased the operations of another social casino-style gaming site – Golden Hearts Casino.

Following these events, VGW made its choice to leave the state prior to having any legal complications. Being a public company, its aim is to protect the interests of its shareholders, as they state.

The news is already official as on November 01, 2023, all 3 brands have added Michigan to the restricted states in their Terms and Conditions.

“As we’ve repeatedly said, we actively monitor developments in the jurisdictions we operate in to ensure we are well placed to respond. While we are disappointed our players in Michigan will no longer be able to play our highly-rated social games, we always consider the interests of all of our stakeholders and remain focused on VGW’s strong long-term outlook”

What Can Players Do?

Well, the brand cares about its players, so they won’t shut down immediately. There are three key dates to consider if you are an existing Michigan player of Chumba, Global Poker or LuckyLand Slots:

• November 01, 2023 – You will no longer be able to purchase more Gold Coins. You will be able to play with your existing GC and SC. Obtaining free Sweeps Coins through the AMOE (Alternative Method of Entry), the mail-n option, would still be available.
• December 01, 2023 – Playing on the sites will no longer be available. VGW will also cease accepting postal requests for free Sweeps Coins. You will be able to redeem your SC for cash prizes.
• February 01, 2023 – VGW will finally shut down all three sites for the state of Michigan. Sweeps Coins prize redemptions will no longer be processed.

Michigan Focuses on Other Unregulated Sites

The state law obviously tries to make the most of putting pressure on sites that by now have existed due to the legal framework in Michigan not explicitly prohibiting them.

In August 2023, MGCB (Michigan Gaming Control Board) proposed restrictions on pick’em daily fantasy sports contests. As of October 11, 2023, the legislation came into force, as MGCB stated.