MyPrize.us Exits New Jersey As AB5447 Date Nears

As we inch closer to the day in which a decision on AB5447—the bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos—sweepstakes casinos are leaving the state at a rapid pace, and MyPrize.us is the latest to do so. 

With MyPrize.us blocking players in New Jersey, it joins a list of states that include Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, and Washington. 

Assembly Bill 5447 Decision Nears

Assembly Bill 5447 (AB5447) was passed and sent to the Governor, Phil Murphy. He hasn't signed the bill yet. However, he has 45 days to sign or veto it. If that doesn't happen, a pocket approval is possible. 

The 45th day is August 14. As the calendar crosses into August, the date is nearing, and that's why sweepstakes casinos are leaving the state. 

There was hope that Murphy would veto the bill. Still, the recent exits, including Virtual Gaming Worlds (Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker), are phasing out sweepstakes games starting July 29, and Funzpoints, Spree, Clubs Poker, Clubs Casino, and LuckySlots.us are leaving just before that. 

While other sites have completely left, VGW is staying, but only keeping Gold Coin games. 

MyPrize Recently Received $21 Million

While the sweepstakes casino landscape appears to be up in the air, investors are still providing funding. 

MyPrize.us, owned by MyPrize Inc. and CEO Zach Bruch, recently closed a funding round of $21 million. The company was valued at $250 million. 

The platform also offers crypto games outside of the United States. 

“The growth we are seeing at MyPrize proves that social gaming has fully arrived to the US market,” Bruch said in a press release, “and there is massive demand for a more engaging, creator-driven approach to online gaming.” 

Zula Casino Recently Pulled Out

As of August 1, Zula Casino is ending sweepstakes casinos in five states, including New Jersey. 

“After careful consideration, Zula Casino has decided to withdraw its Sweepstakes services from the Restricted States,” Zula's message read.

“Starting August 1, if you are an existing or new user from [these states], you will no longer be able to play any games using Sweeps Coins. Zula Casino will stop accepting mail-ins with a postage or delivery date of August. 15, for ‘no purchase necessary’ Sweeps Coins from the Restricted States.”

This approach is similar to VGW, as it retains Gold Coin games but eliminates sweepstakes games.