In a statement to Sweepsy, VGW — the sweepstakes gaming behemoth behind Chumba Casino, Global Poker, LuckyLand Slots, recently launched LuckyLand Casino, and soon-to-launch United Slots — lamented what it deems a rushed legislative process to pass Assembly Bill 831 in California, ultimately leading the company to decide to phase Sweeps Coin gameplay out of the state beginning Dec. 30.
“We can confirm that due to new legislation taking effect in California on January 1, 2026, we’ve informed players of a decision to phase out Promotional Play (sweepstakes promotions) in the state,” a VGW spokesperson told Sweepsy.
“This is a disappointing outcome for players and the State. As we repeatedly tried to explain to legislators following the introduction of AB 831, rather than pass a rushed, misinformed ban pushed by powerful tribes and gaming groups, California could have benefited from instead implementing a sensible, modern regulatory and taxation framework for Social Plus games that raised new revenue, codified our robust consumer protections and maintained more than $1 billion of current economic activity generated by the industry.
“But unfortunately, legislators and the Governor chose to rush through this legislation rather than properly consult and consider these opportunities. As such, we will be phasing out Promotional Play in California from December 30, 2025, when players will no longer be able to collect Sweeps Coins through any method.”
Under AB831, sweepstakes casinos will officially no longer be able to permit Sweeps Coin gameplay beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The future of Chumba Casino, VGW sites in California
The phase-out process begins Dec. 30. Players will have until Jan. 15 to redeem any Sweeps Coins in their account for prizes. After, any remaining Sweeps Coins will be lost.
“However, our valued players in California will still be able to enjoy all their favorite free-to-play games using Gold Coins,” the spokesperson said, “and we are 100 percent focused on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth as possible.”
That’s a key distinction — and not one that all sweeps casino operators are following the same model in California.
Most notable brands, like VGW, ARB Interactive (Modo.us) and B-Two Operations (McLuck, Hello Millions, PlayFame, SpinBlitz, Jackpota, Mega Bonanza), are keeping Gold Coin gameplay live in California and only pulling back Sweeps Coin gameplay.
Some, however, like Stake.us and Yellow Social Interactive (Pulsz Casino and Pulsz Bingo), are enacting full platform shutdowns in California — so players are losing access to both Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin gameplay. There are certainly valid reasons to close both types of gameplay. The case of Stake.us is pretty clear, as it’s currently facing a significant lawsuit in California and likely decided a full exit makes more long-term sense. The case for smaller sites also makes sense, as these entities may not have the tech stack required to simply turn the Sweeps Coin switch on or off; it may be a situation where it’s all or nothing.
Keeping Gold Coin gameplay live makes sense in most cases
However, in most cases, for large companies, sticking with Gold Coin play in California seems most prudent.
Running a platform without Sweeps Coins doesn’t mean giving up on revenue. Social casinos have shown for years that players are willing to spend on purely in-game experiences. Revenue flows from things like virtual coin packages, enhanced features, limited-time events, and other paid perks. Just look at how Light & Wonder — a vocal skeptic of sweepstakes casinos — pulls in roughly $200 million per quarter from its social casino portfolio alone.
You can also look at the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a key force behind AB831 and a staunch critic of sweepstakes casinos. The tribe runs its own social gaming platform, Play.Yamaava. The continued operation of that site sends a clear message to the market: Gold Coin–only social casino models will remain on solid legal footing in California for the foreseeable future.
‘We remain committed to continuing to provide you with fun and exciting experiences’
VGW also emailed their California players this week of the decision and what the future for its sweeps casinos looks like in California:
We’re reaching out to let you know about upcoming changes to [site name] in line with new legislation taking effect in California on January 1, 2026.
From December 30, 2025, we will be phasing out Promotional Play (Sweeps Coins) in the state of California.
While Promotional Play will no longer be available, you’ll still be able to enjoy all your favorite games in Standard Play using Gold Coins. We’re also working on new ways for California players to enjoy our games in 2026 – stay tuned!
What does this mean for you?
Effective December 30, 2025, you will no longer be able to collect Sweeps Coins through any method, including login bonuses, competitions and promotional bonuses with the purchase of Gold Coins. You will also no longer be able to play our games using Sweeps Coins. Additionally, alternative methods of entry (AMOE), including postal requests, will no longer be accepted. However, you’ll still be able to lodge redemption requests.
As of January 15, 2026, you will no longer be able to redeem any Sweeps Coins won for prizes.
We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued support and loyalty to the [site name] community. We remain committed to continuing to provide you with fun and exciting experiences in Standard Play.
VGW in the middle of portfolio expansion
VGW’s Sweeps Coin pullback in California — and other states with newly enacted bans for that matter, like New York and New Jersey — comes at a time when the company is actually putting resources into expansion rather than contraction.
Last week, VGW launched its fourth property in LuckyLand Casino.
Then, it told Sweepsy that it expects to launch its fifth property, United Slots, in the first quarter of 2026.
In addition to launching United Slots, VGW will also debut its “new centralised tech platform” that will streamline workflow and serve all properties with the goal “to ensure we have speed to market, the most appealing brands and unbelievable player experiences in an environment of rapid technological change and ongoing industry innovations.”
As for the future of LuckyLand Slots, VGW told Sweepsy it’s still “considering its options.”
