In a landmark ruling for the online sweepstakes gaming sector, VGW, the operator of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, has raised its minimum player age requirement from 18 to 21. The policy change, which takes effect on 19 February 2025, is broadly regarded as a tactical maneuver to advance responsible gaming measures amid mounting regulatory pressure in numerous US states.
The Operators Plans a Gradual Transition
VGW’s decision will be implemented in three key phases, gradually restricting access for players under 21. From 12 February, players aged 18-20 can no longer purchase Gold Coin packages but may continue playing with any remaining in-game currency. From 19 February, Players 21 will be prohibited from playing games or redeeming Sweeps Coins, while 17 April will introduce a complete ban on all VGW platforms.
This gradual transition ensures that affected players have time to withdraw their funds and close their accounts in an orderly manner before full restrictions come into place in April. Feedback from consumers has been generally positive, with many remarking that this change has been long overdue. It marks a vital step for VGW as it seeks to distance itself from unregulated gambling operators.
This move comes at a crucial time for the sweepstakes gaming sector, as legislative efforts to ban or regulate sweepstakes casinos puck up speed across the US. States like Connecticut, Maryland, and Mississippi are actively considering bills to outlaw sweepstakes gaming while New York’s pending online casino legislation could indirectly drive such operators out of the market.
Sweepstakes Struggle with a Negative Reputation
VGW’s decision to limit underage users coincides with several lawsuits that claim its sites amount to illegal online gambling. In Connecticut, one plaintiff has charged VGW with imposing unfair redemption limits to keep players gambling with their winnings. A class-action suit in New York has raised the stakes by invoking the RICO Act, claiming that Apple and Google knowingly facilitated illegal gambling by hosting sweepstakes apps on their platforms.
This decision to raise the minimum user age appears to be a deliberate attempt to preempt regulatory action and demonstrate a proactive commitment to responsible gambling. While some may view the age increase as a financial risk due to the loss of younger players, the company likely considers this move to be a strategic pivot to safeguard its reputation and ensure long-term sustainability.
Studies have shown that younger demographics are more vulnerable to gambling harms, a point frequently cited by critics of sweepstakes gaming. VGW’s move marks the first time a large sweepstakes gaming operator has chosen to raise the age limit of players, a move that may create a precedent for other businesses in the industry. But whether that will be sufficient to satisfy regulators and lawmakers is yet to be determined.
