The company announced a staged exit that turns off gameplay in late September and sets a final deadline in October. VGW told customers by email that the move is a strategic business decision and that it wants the transition to be as smooth as possible.
If you’re a Canadian player, the key things to know are: purchases stop first, gameplay ends a few weeks later, and there’s a last day to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes.
For U.S. readers, this is a Canada-only change, but it comes as VGW continues to adapt to different rules across individual states.
Key dates for Canadian players and how to prepare
VGW is rolling out the shutdown in steps. Aug. 28 is when purchases of Gold Coins stop, though existing Gold and Sweeps Coins can still be used for a short time. Gameplay on both sites ends on Sept. 25, after which you won’t be able to play only redeem any remaining Sweeps Coins.
The company set a final deadline in late October for prize redemptions; after that date, Canadian access is expected to close for good.
Here are simple actions to take now so you don’t get caught out. First, check the official email notice for your exact dates and any account-specific info. Next, log in and review your account balances, especially any Sweeps Coins you may want to redeem.
Submit redemption requests ahead of the deadline and keep confirmation records. If you need help, contact player support early, since response times can slow when many people reach out at once. And be careful with links only use the sites’ official pages to avoid phishing scams.
What this means for U.S. readers
This change applies to Canada. VGW continues to operate its sweepstakes casinos in many parts of the U.S., though the landscape has been shifting. Over the past year, the company has left about a dozen states in response to new laws or regulatory pressure.
That list has included Nevada, Washington, Michigan, Louisiana, and Idaho, among others. If you travel or move between states, always check current availability and the terms for your location before you play.
Also remember that Gold Coins are for entertainment only, while Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for prizes where the model is allowed.
This Canada exit also comes during a broader corporate shake-up. VGW’s majority owner, Laurence Escalante, recently received approval to buy out the remaining shares, taking the company private.
The business will keep operating from Australia but plans to register in Guernsey, a change that may affect how it handles taxes and regulations. The big picture: VGW says it’s concentrating focus and resources where it sees the most growth.
For U.S. players, that likely means continued adjustments as state rules evolve so keep an eye on official updates and your local laws.
