VGW casinos, including Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, dominate over 90% of the U.S. sweepstakes casino market. This page explores VGW's offerings and the top alternatives in the sweepstakes casino industry.
Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) operates three sweepstakes casino brands: Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker. These brands have propelled VGW to dominate the sweepstakes casino market, holding over 90% market share according to the market research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
Launched in 2012 by VGW, Chumba Casino is the most popular sweepstakes casino in the U.S. Known for its innovative sweepstakes model, Chumba allows players to enjoy over 200 games, including exclusive slots and table games, using virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. While Gold Coins are for fun, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes, making Chumba a unique blend of entertainment and reward.
LuckyLand Slots, launched in 2018 by VGW, is often considered the "little sister" of Chumba Casino. While it may be smaller in scale, LuckyLand Slots offers its own unique charm with over 120 games, including a variety of engaging slots and a single table game. The casino is also adhereing to the sweepstakes model and features regular tournaments, daily bonuses, and a friendly user experience.
Global Poker, launched by VGW in 2016, is the third brand in the VGW family and is focused exclusively on poker. Using the same sweepstakes model as its sister sites, Global Poker allows players to enjoy poker games with Gold Coins for fun or Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes. The platform offers a variety of poker games, including tournaments and ring games, making it an ideal choice for both casual and serious poker players in the U.S. and Canada who want a legal online poker alternative.
After VGW launched Chumba Casino, the success of the sweepstakes casino model attracted numerous competitors to the market. Here are five notable alternatives to VGW casinos:
VGW operates its casinos Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker using a sweepstakes model, which allows them to legally offer games in most U.S. states. Players can purchase virtual Gold Coins for fun and receive bonus Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes.
This model complies with U.S. sweepstakes laws, distinguishing VGW casinos from traditional online gambling sites. However, VGW’s services are not available in all states, with exceptions including Washington, Idaho, and Montana, where local regulations restrict their operations.
Read more: Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) is a pioneering company in the online gaming industry, best known for its innovative sweepstakes model that has redefined social casino gaming. Founded in 2010 by Laurence Escalante, VGW is headquartered in Malta and has more than 1000 employees worldwide.
In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, VGW experienced significant financial growth, with revenue surging 40% to a record $4.84 billion. Despite this impressive revenue increase, the company's net profit fell by approximately 17%, dropping to $377.6 million from $454 million in the previous year.
