VGW is preparing to launch two new sweepstakes casinos: LuckyLand Casino & United Slots. Sweepstakes casino operator VGW is preparing for a significant refresh to its portfolio as it's moving forward with launching two new platforms, LuckyLand Casino and United Slots, as the company pulls back from over a dozen states. The two new platforms signal a strategic repositioning for VGW as the company evaluates the future of its existing products and adapts to shifting regulatory pressure. Amid the upcoming debut of the two new sites, VGW is also likely to discontinue its popular LuckyLand Slots sweepstakes casino. The platform is one of three currently active VGW sites, together with Chumba Casino and Global Poker. LuckyLand Casino: VGW's new flagship brand. VGW confirmed the upcoming launch of LuckyLand Casino in comments to Sweepsy, describing the new platform as a significant expansion of the LuckyLand ecosystem. As VGW told the publication: "VGW is excited to be launching LuckyLand Casino, a vibrant new social casino with dazzling games, social live casino, thrilling jackpots, and industry-leading customer protections." It's still unknown how many and what type of games the new platform will launch. However, the company informed Sweepsy that it would offer instant win games, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Additionally, the platform will feature social live casino games, including Quantum Roulette, Spin a Win, and Adventures Beyond Wonderland, all Playtech titles. VGW Games Limited's Malta Gaming Authority license (MGA/B2C/188/2010) also authorizes the operator to offer bingo and peer-to-peer game types. It lists a broad range of permitted game providers across all VGW sites under the license. They include Playtech, Relax Gaming, Swintt, Slotmill, G Games, and 1X2 Network. However, the license does not specify which providers will supply LuckyLand Casino. New platform could replace LuckyLand Slots. The company also addressed the future of the existing LuckyLand Slots platform: "VGW is considering its options for LuckyLand Slots, which was launched in 2018 following an acquisition... While no decisions have been made as yet, VGW is committed to full transparency with LuckyLand Slots players and providing any relevant updates over time. VGW constantly reviews its portfolio to ensure its brands retain both their industry-leading appeal and consumer protections." VGW indicated that the new platform's inclusion of "Casino" rather than "Slots" reflects "an enhanced, broader experience for players seeking a wide range of free-to-play games and features." Notably, under the Malta Gaming Authority's "Dynamic Seal of Authorisation," LuckyLand Slots no longer appears. At the same time, LuckyLand Casino is there. LuckyLand Slots' removal from the MGA dynamic seal reinforces speculation that the brand may be replaced or phased out. United Slots quietly emerges. In addition to LuckyLand Casino, VGW has begun laying the groundwork for a second new platform: United Slots. VGW filed a US trademark application for UNITED SLOTS on November 12, and the brand appears among the domains registered under the company's Malta license. The site is live online, but unlike the LuckyLand Casino site, terms and conditions and pre-registration are not yet available. That indicates the platform is likely to launch after LuckyLand Casino. The parallel development of LuckyLand Casino and United Slots suggests VGW is moving toward an expanded multi-brand sweepstakes strategy - potentially replacing, consolidating, or supplementing elements of its current portfolio. The move won't be unprecedented, as some competitors, such as B2Services and A1 Development, operate a higher number of platforms. US market pressures shape VGW's direction. The dual-platform expansion arrives as VGW navigates a challenging period for sweepstakes casinos in the U.S. The company recently ended Sweeps Play in West Virginia and is currently conducting a similar phased-out exit in Tennessee. With those exits, VGW's platforms will be inactive in 13 states, with eight of those exits coming in 2025. The company is also facing regulatory enforcement pressure in Maryland and Minnesota, which could further limit the company's footprint. Furthermore, California banned sweepstakes casinos effective January 1, 2026. That will be a significant blow for VGW as the state represents a large share of the US revenue for the sector. This increasingly hostile regulatory climate for sweepstakes casinos has reshaped the competitive landscape. It's forcing operators, including VGW, to reconsider product design, licensing structures, and long-term US exposure. Shift to private ownership under Escalante. VGW's strategic repositioning is likely due to a major corporate restructuring. In August, shareholders approved CEO Laurence Escalante's A$3.2 billion bid to take the company private. The approval followed months of internal debate over governance, valuation, and how VGW should respond to regulatory risk. Escalante has insisted that taking VGW private will provide the company with more flexibility to respond to regulatory and competitive risks, particularly in the U.S. Private ownership now gives VGW greater flexibility to launch new brands, shift jurisdictional strategies, and restructure its product offerings without the disclosure burdens of a listed entity. Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including...

VGW shareholders approved founder Laurance Escalante's takeover offer, allowing the company to go private amid US regulatory scrutiny. At a meeting, 85.04% of shareholders, including 91.31% of minority shareholders, supported Escalante's bid to acquire the remaining 30% of shares for A$5.05 ($3.26) each, valuing VGW at A$3.2 billion ($2.1 billion). The deal, via Ocean BidCo Limited, is expected to be fully implemented by August 20, ending tensions over governance and regulatory issues.

VGW is set to go private after shareholders approved a A$3.2 billion (€1.8 billion) buyout by CEO Laurence Escalante, who will acquire full ownership. The move, driven by Escalante's frustration with minority shareholders and regulatory pressures in the US, allows VGW to operate with more flexibility. The company plans to re-domicile in Guernsey for tax benefits and reduced reporting obligations, pending Federal Court approval, with completion expected by 20 August 2025.