Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), which runs Chumba Casino and Global Poker from Australia, plans to close shop in Canada this autumn. The company says this decision stems from a change in its business goals. Both platforms will stop working for Canadian users on October 23, 2025.
Chumba Casino and Global Poker Begin Canadian Exit Ahead of October Shutdown
The wind-down kicked off earlier this week. Canadian players lost the option to buy Gold Coins on August 28. Games will stop working on September 25. Players can cash out any leftover Sweeps Coins until the final day in October. After that, no one can log in, but VGW will keep user information as the law requires.
A company representative said the choice came after they “carefully reviewed” how the market was doing. Canada had steady users for a while, but the representative pointed out that the market remained pretty small compared to the US, where almost all the company revenue comes from. As a result, VGW plans to put all its efforts and cash into its much bigger US player base.
This is not because of Canadian rules, since sweepstakes games are still allowed all over the country, even in Ontario. But Québec‘s tight laws have always kept companies like VGW out of that area. Instead, this pull-out shows a bigger shift as the company deals with more eyes on it in the US.
VGW Streamlines Operations to Strengthen US Presence
Over the last year, VGW has reduced its sweepstakes offerings in about 12 US states, including New York, New Jersey, and Mississippi. Regulators in these states have questioned the legality of dual-currency sweepstakes systems. In many of these places, the company still offers its free-play Gold Coin model. However, in Canada, both free-play and cash redemption options will no longer be available.
Experts in the industry say this exit shows a growing trend. More operators are focusing their operations in the US where sweepstakes gaming brings in about 98% of global revenue. This change also happens as VGW becomes a private company after shareholders bought it out earlier this month. This move might allow VGW to be more flexible in how it handles its worldwide strategy.
Canadian players, some of whom have used Chumba and Global Poker for years, shared their disappointment on social media, but VGW emphasized its dedication to a smooth exit. The company stated it is working to give players clear details about the timeline and how to cash out before the final shutdown.