Virtual Gaming Worlds Reportedly Asked to Leave Delaware
First it was Michigan, Idaho and Washington, now reportedly it’s Delaware, with news that online casino sweepstakes operator Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) has been ordered by Delaware Lottery to cease operations in the state.
VGW is founded on the sweepstake model – customers buy virtual gold coins that allows them to play online games (poker tables, blackjack tables, slot machines), coins that have no value, but are redeemable for cash when you withdraw them within VGW.
According to financial reporting in March, the Australia-based VGW reported is on track to crack $5 billion in annual revenue after a record first half, through Dec. 31, 2023.
VGW was ordered to cease its sweepstakes operations by the Michigan state regulator in December.
VGW Owns Popular Sweepstake Sites
VGW has denied that sweepstakes are a form of gambling. Gambling.com reached out to Delaware Lottery for a statement confirming the news reports but has yet to receive that.
The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement would be the agency sending out a cease-and-desist letter to VGW. Gambling.com left messages there that have yet to be returned.
In January, Delaware Lottery announced that it was partnering with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) to launch its first online sportsbook under the BetRivers banner, as well as rolling out a new menu of online casino games. January’s total net gaming revenue was $3.4 million.
VGW Heading Towards $5 Billion in Revenue
Following a soft launch Dec. 27, Delaware opened its doors to the sportsbook, along with the re-launch of its three online casinos (Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino).
Delaware Park generated $2.68 million in total net gaming revenue in June, followed by Harrington ($1.4 million) and Bally’s ($906,939), in June.
VGW owns popular sweepstake sites Chumba Casino, Luckyland and Global Poker.
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