For VGW, it was likely out of an abundance of caution and wanting to avoid problems with the state regulator in the future.
For GHG, it was likely because the company, which has a charitable gaming component, ran afoul of state law that governs such components. While GHG was ordered to cease operations by AG Dana Nessel in mid-September, VGW said last month that it would voluntarily pull down its sweepstakes online poker and casino sites - Global Poker, Chumba Casino, and LuckyLand Slots - by February 1, 2024.īut the departures did not materialize for the same reasons. Sweepstakes casinos - specifically, Golden Hearts Games ( GHG) and a trio of sites operated by Virtual Gaming Worlds ( VGW) - have either left Michigan or are planning to do so in the next few months. I think it’s increased scrutiny by the regulator that’s leading companies to decide to leave. The interpretation of gaming laws and regulatory pressures vary by state.Legal experts weigh in on the reasons behind their departures.VGW decided to leave out of caution and concerns about regulatory scrutiny.GHG was ordered to cease operations, possibly due to charitable gaming.Sweepstakes casinos Golden Hearts Games ( GHG) and Virtual Gaming Worlds ( VGW) are leaving or planning to exit Michigan.
