Some notable sweepstakes casinos, such as LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker, have raised the legal age limit for casino players to 21. Their previous age limit was 18 and over, and VGW, the operator behind the three sweeps casinos, has already made changes on the sites' terms and conditions page to reflect this.

VGW has implemented a significant policy change regarding player eligibility. The company, which operates three of the largest sweepstakes gaming platforms - LuckyLand Slots, Chumba Casino, and Global Poker - has raised its minimum age limit from 18 years old to 21 years old. The move, which appears to be strategically timed, is likely aimed at strengthening VGW's responsible gaming stance as multiple states introduce legislative efforts to ban or regulate sweepstakes gaming.

A phased implementation process

The transition to a 21+ requirement has been rolled out in a structured, three-step process. While the change was officially announced via email to players last week, a user brought wider attention to it by posting the update on the Reddit page of Chumba Casino.

The phase-out plan includes the following key dates:

  • February 12, 2025: Players aged 18-20 were restricted from purchasing Gold Coin packages but could continue using any existing game currency in their accounts.
  • February 19, 2025: The age group is barred from all gameplay on Global Poker, Chumba Casino, and LuckyLand Slots, even for Gold Coins. Additionally, Sweeps Coins redemptions are no longer permitted for players under 21.
  • April 17, 2025: All remaining accounts of players aged 18-20 will be locked. Once these individuals turn 21, they must contact VGW support to regain access to their accounts, as reactivation will not be automatic.

The VGW website and terms and conditions have already been updated to reflect the new policy, with footer menus now displaying the 21+ requirement.

A response to growing regulatory scrutiny?

The timing of VGW's decision seems to be no coincidence. Sweepstakes gaming sites have been under increasing scrutiny as lawmakers push for stricter regulations or outright bans. Several states - including Mississippi, Connecticut, and Maryland - are considering legislation that would prohibit sweepstakes gaming. New York's proposed online casino bill could also effectively eliminate these platforms within the state.

In fact, the Mississippi Senate has already passed a bill targeting sweepstakes sites, sending it to the House for further consideration. In response, the Social and Promotional Games Association criticized the legislative push, arguing that it undermines consumer freedom.

"We doubt voters in Mississippi appreciate their elected officials dictating what games adults can and can't play on their phones," the association said. "Rather than enacting punitive measures that reduce innovation and consumer choice, we urge lawmakers to consider a regulatory approach that enshrines transparency and consumer protections while allowing Mississippi adults to continue enjoying the fun, fair, and free-to-play games offered by social sweepstakes operators."

While most states are focused on bans, New Jersey has taken a different approach, exploring a bill that would regulate rather than prohibit sweepstakes gaming. However, it remains the only state considering such a measure.

Adding to the pressure on the industry, the West Virginia Attorney General has issued subpoenas to sweepstakes operators, and Arizona's gaming regulatory authority has released a public advisory warning residents about such sites. The judicial landscape is also shifting, with ongoing lawsuits against sweepstakes gaming companies. Although VGW recently won a major case in Florida, fresh legal challenges in California could pose new threats, as they frame their arguments around public relief rather than gambling-related damages.

Strategic timing for responsible gaming efforts

VGW's decision to raise the age limit aligns with growing concerns about responsible gaming. Many critics argue that younger players, particularly those aged 18-20, are more susceptible to gambling-related problems. Peer-reviewed studies support this claim, suggesting that individuals in this age group may be at a higher risk for developing compulsive gambling behaviors.

By implementing this policy, VGW may be positioning itself favorably in the eyes of regulators and lawmakers. Demonstrating a commitment to responsible gaming could help counteract legislative efforts to ban sweepstakes gaming altogether. While the company is likely to experience some revenue losses from excluding younger players, the long-term benefits of improving its industry reputation and preemptively addressing regulatory concerns may outweigh the short-term financial impact.