After a long battle, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement announced that social casino and online slots operator, VGW will no longer be available to residents.
An official statement on Delaware’s government website read, “An investigation by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) into VGW Luckyland, Inc. – a subsidiary of the Australian-based VGW Holdings Ltd. – revealed that VGW Luckyland, Inc. was operating illegal online gaming.
“Delaware officials concluded that VGW misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes while enabling players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash winnings.
“These types of real-money games offered to Delaware residents by an unlicensed entity violate the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.”
VGW is the group behind Luckyland Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker.
Delaware vs VGW
The DGE first sent a cease-and-desist letter to VGW over two years ago in February 2023. The social casino operator was apparently unaware of the order and continued operations. Another letter was sent in August last year before a third last week.
The DGE seems confident that this time VGW will listen, stating, “Effective April 2, 2025, Delaware residents can no longer participate in VGW Luckyland’s unlicensed online gaming platforms.”
Delaware residents have also filed a series of lawsuits against VGW and await judgment. Speaking on the cases against the company, gaming attorney Daniel Wallach stated, “No class action lawsuit will be transformative or bring industry-wide change because they will either get dismissed on a procedural motion or take years before ever reaching trial, only to ultimately be settled.
“There is zero chance that these companies would risk the possibility of an adverse judgment at trial. The name of the game is delay, delay, delay — and if all else fails, write a cheque.”
This was the case in a lawsuit in Kentucky. VGW agreed to pay $11.75 million to settle the matter in November 2022.
Delaware is the latest state to join several others banishing VGW. They no longer operate in Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
Many other social casinos also exited New York recently, but VGW continues to operate despite facing lawsuits. The operator is not a member of the Social and Promotional Games Association and likes to act independently.
Social casinos have gained popularity as they offer gamblers alternative ways to play various casino games in states where casinos are illegal or heavily restricted.
VGW continue to claim they are offering a valuable and desired service. Their website states, “Our players are our number one priority. We strive to deliver a safe and positive player experience that is focused on fun and entertainment. We are serious about our responsibility to our players and responsible social gameplay is embedded in our culture.”
Delaware residents will have to find other sites for responsible fun.
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