Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the original sweepstakes casino operator, has updated its minimum age requirement from 18 to 21.
The change came into effect on February 12th and affects all three of VGW’s brands: Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, and Global Poker. The three sites now join Stake.us and High 5 – two other prominent online sweepstakes casinos – in having a ‘strict’ 21+ eligibility rule.
At the time of writing, players under 21 can no longer sign up for VGW’s platforms, and if they already have accounts, they can no longer purchase coins or play games. However, they are still able to make SC redemptions until April 17th, so if you fall into this category, we strongly advise you to redeem any remaining SC before this cutoff date.
After April 17th, even current players under 21 will be completely barred from the sites, until they drop back into eligibility by turning 21. When that happens, they should contact customer support to reinstate their accounts.
Why the Change and Why Now?
The sweepstakes industry as a whole has been facing major challenges in recent years, but as the originator of the format and still enjoying great popularity, VGW often bears the brunt. It’s been taken to court multiple times by players and class-action groups claiming its Gold Coins/Sweeps Coins model violates the law.
It was also served a cease and desist letter last year in the state of Connecticut by the Department of Consumer Protection. The Perth, Australia-based company later complied and withdrew from the state.
On the other hand, VGW recently won a venue battle in a Florida lawsuit, with a similar win coming in Georgia, where a case was dismissed entirely due to lack of jurisdiction. The company has proven skilled at adapting to regulatory changes, while successfully defending itself in court to minimize losses and legal setbacks.
In a similar vein, this recent increase of the minimum age across its sites can be seen as a response to ongoing legal pressure. By increasing the minimum age to 21, VGW is likely aiming to preempt further scrutiny and reinforce its position as a compliant operator within the evolving legal landscape. High 5 likely has similar reasonings for its age change, which came in the summer of last year, while Stake.us has maintained the 21+ rule since its official launch.
With multiple challenges on various fronts, whether this change will make a difference for VGW remains to be seen.
Implications for the Rest of the Industry
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see other smaller brands follow Stake.us, High 5, and VGW casino sites and their higher age limits. At the time of writing, the vast majority of sweepstakes casinos, including other major operators like McLuck, have their minimum age set to 18 in the terms and conditions.
That said, there’s no definitive legal basis for a minimum age raise. As we said above, it helps with perceptions as a responsible brand – targeting younger players can, of course, be frowned upon. It’s also worth remembering some US states set their minimum age for gamers to 21 anyway, so, in a way, it simplifies these brands’ offerings and sets them beyond reproach on the subject of age.
However, the main challenges sweepstakes companies are facing in 2025 are not specifically age-related. They are more tied to the sweeps currency model and whether it constitutes gambling, with regulators, lawmakers, and attorney generals making things pretty difficult for the industry this year.
More big changes are on the horizon, so stay tuned to SweepsKings for the latest on all legal issues surrounding sweeps casinos.
Author: Jon Ridehalgh
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