Chumba Casino and Global Poker Exiting Canada

In an email to players, Chumba Casino, which is owned and operated by Virtual Gaming Worlds, confirmed to its players in Canada that it'll be leaving the country.

The exit will begin on Aug. 28 and will be completed by Oct. 23.

The company also confirmed to Sweepsy that Global Poker will be leaving, too.

LuckyLand Slots, the third site operated by VGW, was never in Canada.

Chumba Casino Email and Exit Timeline

As mentioned, the shutdown will conclude on Oct. 23. 

Here's what the email to players from Chumba said: 

“We understand this is an adjustment after many years and our valued Canadian players may be disappointed,” the email says. “This decision wasn’t taken lightly and our focus is on ensuring players are fully informed about the changes, and that this transition is as smooth as possible.

“After careful consideration, we’ve made a strategic commercial decision guided by our business priorities. This allows us to focus our resources and investment in a way that supports the ongoing success of the business.

“Your ongoing support and loyalty to our community is greatly appreciated, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being an integral part of our journey.”

Here's the full timeline:

• Aug. 28: Players can no longer buy Gold Coins, but can use what's left in their accounts. 
• Sept. 25: Redemption requests for Sweeps Coins will close. 
• Oct. 23: Access to both platforms will cease. 

The email also discussed player data: 

“From October 23, your account will be inaccessible and the personal data associated with your account will be retained to the extent required to meet our legal obligations,” the email says. “We take privacy and data protection seriously, and we will handle your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.”

Leaving Canada To Prioritize the United States

According to Sweepsy, a VGW spokesperson told them that their Canadian business is small and they're going to put all of their efforts into the United States. 

According to a study by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, commissioned by the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), of which VGW is a member, approximately 98% of sweepstakes gaming revenue originates from the United States. 

Canadian law is somewhat similar to that of the United States regarding sweepstakes casinos.

However, there is a law in Canada where there's a skill-testing question, typically something like a math equation, that players must answer before they redeem prizes. 

Sweepstakes casinos are prohibited in Quebec, and some have been inactive in Ontario.

Other sweepstakes casinos like High 5 have also left Canada.