Virtual Gaming Worlds shuts down LuckyLand Slots amid US regulatory crackdown

Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) announced a phased shutdown of its sweepstakes platform LuckyLand Slots. Sales of Gold Coins will cease on 3 August 2026, the games will be paused on 24 August 2026, and all redemption requests will be closed on 14 September 2026, after which the website will be inaccessible.

The closure follows mounting legal pressure in the United States, where at least 13 states have banned the dual‑currency sweepstakes model and regulators have issued cease‑and‑desist letters. Lawsuits have targeted VGW, its vendors and even social‑media influencers for alleged under‑age gambling promotion. State attorneys general are expected to pursue further action in 2027.

VGW also faces a leadership crisis after founder and CEO Laurence Escalante stepped down in July 2026. The company, headquartered in Perth, Australia, will keep operating its other products such as Chumba Casino and Global Poker in jurisdictions where they remain legal.