VGW Faces New Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Spouses of Affected Players
Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the operator behind prominent sweepstakes platforms such as Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is confronting a fresh legal challenge. On April 28, 2025, five plaintiffs from Montana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee initiated a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. This lawsuit is distinctive as it is filed on behalf of the plaintiffs' spouses, alleging that VGW's platforms facilitated illegal gambling activities in states where such operations are prohibited.
Allegations of Unlawful Gambling Practices
The plaintiffs contend that VGW's sweepstakes-based model, which utilizes a dual-currency system involving Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, effectively operates as an unlicensed gambling enterprise. They argue that this model circumvents state gambling laws by allowing players to purchase virtual currencies that can eventually be redeemed for real money, thereby simulating traditional gambling experiences.
One notable case within the lawsuit involves Courtney Brown, who reportedly lost $33,600 on VGW's platforms between September 2024 and March 2025. The plaintiffs assert that such losses underscore the predatory nature of VGW's operations, particularly in jurisdictions where gambling is heavily regulated or outright banned.
VGW's Legal Landscape
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges VGW has faced across various states. Previously, the company has been subject to lawsuits in Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, and New York, among others. In several instances, VGW has successfully argued for the dismissal of cases based on jurisdictional grounds or has moved cases to federal courts, citing forum selection clauses in their terms and conditions.
Despite these legal maneuvers, VGW's sweepstakes model remains under scrutiny. Critics argue that the company's operations exploit legal loopholes, allowing them to function in a gray area of gambling legislation. The outcome of this latest lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of sweepstakes-based gaming platforms in the United States.
Implications for the Industry
The increasing number of lawsuits against VGW highlights the growing concern over the legality and ethical considerations of sweepstakes casinos. As more states examine the operations of such platforms, there is a possibility of stricter regulations or outright bans, which could reshape the landscape of online gaming in the country.
For players, this underscores the importance of understanding the legal status of online gaming platforms in their respective states and exercising caution when engaging with such services.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult legal professionals for guidance on gambling laws in their jurisdiction.