In a move that has surprised many players, VGW Holdings, the parent company of Global Poker and Chumba Casino, has announced its complete withdrawal from the Canadian market. The Australia-based sweepstakes casino operator informed customers via email that it will cease operations in Canada on October 23, 2025.
This decision marks the end of an era for Canadian poker and sweepstakes casino players who have enjoyed these platforms for years. While no regulatory crackdown has been reported in Canada, VGW confirmed that its focus will now shift entirely to U.S.-facing operations.
Read: Will Daniel Negreanu End His Bracelet Drought at WSOP Online 2025?
Global Poker: Timeline of the Exit
According to official statements and reports from Canadian Gaming Business, the wind-down process will take place in stages:
- August 25, 2025: Final day Canadian players can purchase Gold Coins.
- September 28, 2025: All gameplay on Global Poker and Chumba Casino for Canadian users will officially stop.
- October 23, 2025: Last date players can redeem their Sweeps Coins for cash or prizes.
After this deadline, Canadian customers will no longer have access to the platforms. VGW emphasized that players should redeem their coins before the October cutoff to avoid losing any balances.
VGW Holdings’ Official Statement
VGW described the move as a “strategic, isolated” decision aimed at reallocating company resources.
“We can confirm that following careful consideration, we’ve informed players of a decision to phase out our brands that offer products in Canada,” a VGW spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business. “We understand this is an adjustment after many years and our valued Canadian players may be disappointed. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, and our focus is on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth as possible.”
The company has assured customers that all withdrawals will be honored and that clear instructions have been communicated regarding coin redemptions and account closures.
Why Canada? A Surprising Market Exit
Interestingly, the move does not appear to be driven by Canadian regulations. Unlike the United States, where several states have banned sweepstakes casinos, Canada has largely treated the industry with leniency.
- In Quebec, sweepstakes gaming is classified as non-real-money gaming.
- In other provinces, there has been little to no regulatory interference.
This makes VGW’s departure unusual, as Canada represented one of the few stable markets for sweepstakes gaming. However, according to VGW, the Canadian segment was relatively small, and resources could be better utilized elsewhere.
Refocusing on the U.S. Market
The company’s new direction appears to prioritize the United States, despite increasing legislative challenges.
- Earlier this year, New Jersey banned sweepstakes casinos after the governor signed legislation into law.
- Montana and Connecticut have also outlawed the platforms.
- VGW withdrew from New York in August after the state took initial steps to restrict sweepstakes-style gaming.
Even with mounting pressure from U.S. regulators, VGW sees greater growth potential south of the border compared to Canada. The company has stated it wants to concentrate its management focus, resources, and investments on the American market.
This decision highlights a trend in the industry: operators are willing to face tougher scrutiny in larger, more lucrative markets rather than continue in smaller regions with limited revenue.
Impact on Canadian Players
For Canadian players, the shutdown comes as disappointing news. Many poker enthusiasts had turned to Global Poker as a unique alternative to traditional online poker rooms.
- The platform allowed users to buy Gold Coins for gameplay and earn Sweeps Coins, which could be redeemed for real cash and prizes.
- The model positioned itself as a social casino while still offering opportunities to win money, filling a niche in the online gaming market.
With the exit, players will now need to explore alternatives, although few sweepstakes platforms of Global Poker’s scale remain available in Canada.
Industry Reactions
Industry analysts believe VGW’s withdrawal is more about business efficiency than regulation. By reducing overhead and concentrating on fewer markets, VGW aims to remain competitive amid the tightening U.S. legal environment.
Some experts also suggest this could be a preemptive move. Although Canada has not cracked down on sweepstakes gaming yet, the expanding global conversation on online gambling regulations may have influenced VGW’s decision to streamline its operations.
What’s Next for VGW?
VGW Holdings remains committed to expanding in the United States, even as states impose bans. The company is expected to lobby for favorable regulations and adapt its sweepstakes model to comply with emerging legal frameworks.
The decision to pull out of Canada underlines VGW’s long-term vision: invest in the world’s largest online gaming market while scaling back in regions with less financial upside.
Also Read: PokerGO Bounty Blitz Series in Las Vegas to Feature Six Dynamic Poker Events
Final Thoughts
The exit of Global Poker and Chumba Casino from Canada marks a significant shift in the sweepstakes casino industry. While Canadian regulators have been relatively hands-off, VGW Holdings has chosen to cut ties with the Canadian market and dedicate its efforts to the United States, where the competition and challenges are much higher—but so is the potential reward.
For Canadian players, the next two months will be a final chance to enjoy Global Poker’s offerings before the curtain closes on October 23, 2025.