Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) will fully exit the Canadian market this fall by shutting down operations of Chumba Casino and Global Poker.
The company announced a phased exit to remove both its real-money casino and free-play sweepstakes casinos in Canada starting this August. According to the company, Canada’s smaller scale compared with the U.S. prompted the strategic shift.
VGW Sets Phased Shutdown Timeline for Canada Operations
First, on August 28, Canadian players can no longer purchase Gold Coins. However, they may still use any existing Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins.
Then, gameplay access will end on September 25, though players can still redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes. Finally, on October 23, both Chumba Casino and Global Poker will close permanently and access will be blocked. VGW plans to retain user data to comply with legal requirements.
Global Poker played a unique role in Canada’s online poker scene. As one of the largest sweepstakes poker platforms, it gave Canadian players a chance to compete in tournaments that mirrored real money poker while operating under sweepstakes rules. The platform gained popularity by offering accessibility, engaging gameplay, and community-driven events.
However, with VGW’s decision to exit, Global Poker users in Canada will lose access by late October. Many players have expressed disappointment, as the platform provided a bridge between social gaming and competitive poker. Its closure signals a major shift in the availability of sweepstakes casinos and one of the best online poker sites in Canada.
According to a VGW spokesperson, “This decision wasn’t taken lightly. We will ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.” They emphasized that it was a “strategic, isolated decision,” rather than one driven by Canadian regulation.
Focus Shifts to U.S. Market Amid Revenue Realities
VGW cited the relatively small size of the Canadian user base versus the dominant U.S. market as the key reason. Indeed, about 98 % of sweepstakes-style gaming revenue comes from the United States, prompting VGW to redistribute its resources accordingly.
Moreover, VGW recently exited multiple U.S. states, such as New York and New Jersey, due to increasing regulatory scrutiny. As a result, VGW appears to be consolidating around fewer, more profitable and manageable jurisdictions.
While VGW’s decision may disappoint players of online casinos and Canada online casino brands, it also underscores how dynamic the real money casino landscape has become. This exit marks a new chapter for VGW, which now prioritizes its U.S. footprint over its Canada online casino operations.
Those who still want to explore sweepstakes casinos might seek alternatives now that Chumba and Global Poker are closing. You might want to check out our latest list of Canada online casinos as well as the latest sweepstakes casinos to stay informed about viable options.