Virtual Gaming Worlds Will Soon Exit Michigan’s Social Casino Market
Michigan has a large gaming market. Yet, sweepstakes and social casinos are gradually withdrawing from the state’s casino industry. Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) recently disclosed that it will exit Michigan’s market.
Its announcement shocked many players as it was abrupt. Still, it created many questions regarding social casinos’ fate due to the increase of online casinos.
Social Casinos’ Performance
Social casinos are thriving in states that haven’t started hosting real-money online casinos. They offer players a similar gaming experience as online casinos as they provide table games and digital slots. Unlike online casinos, social casinos don’t use U.S. dollars.
Instead, they have unique digital currencies that players use while playing various games. But they have real prizes.
For instance, Chumba Casino allows bettors to redeem Sweeps Coins with real money that it deposits in their accounts. This is one of the causes of VGW’s withdrawal from Michigan.
More Details About VGW’s Exit
VGW has been one of the leading social casinos in the country for a long period. Some of its gaming sites are Luckyland Slots, Global Poker, and Chumba Casino. They sign up players from different states.
The gaming brand stated in its statement that its sites’ regulatory issues forced it to make the tough decision to leave Michigan. It made its announcement a few weeks after Dana Nessel, Michigan’s Attorney General ordered Golden Hearts Games, another social gaming company to stop operating in the state.
Reports indicate that VGW has ceased accepting Washington and Idaho players. Yet, its recent move came before Nessel banned its games. Therefore, the social casino has offered its clients enough time to seek similar games at other social casinos.
Will Michigan Still Get Account Funding?
VGW stated that it will stop offering digital currencies on November 1. However, existing players with account balances can use their currencies to play various games up to December 1.
Then, the gaming brand will allow Michigan players to redeem prizes on its gaming sites up to February 1, 2024, after which it will forfeit all outstanding prizes. VGW hasn’t disclosed whether it will exit other states with online casino operators. However, Chumba Casino and other gaming sites’ future is uncertain due to increased competition from online casinos.
What Might Be VGW’s Next Move?
VGW’s gaming sites were performing well in August. But things have changed fast in the past few weeks. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are some of the states that haven’t banned VGW’s products.
The social casino can claim that its sweepstakes model is legal, but it might incur specific costs while defending it against various states. Other social casinos might follow VGW’s move to avoid defending their products in regions in which online casinos dominate. Furthermore, such defense attempts might fail.
Social casino gaming’s liability is increasing as more states allow online casino games. However, many players still prefer gambling at social casinos.
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