Poker Writer
LuckyLand Slots is shutting down in September, according to a customer email obtained by PokerScout. The opening of the email reads:
We are reaching out to let you know that after eight years of offering magical, exciting experiences to our players, we will be closing LuckyLand Slots on September 14th, 2026.
Starting on Aug. 3, users will no longer be able to purchase gold coins on LuckyLand Slots, and on Aug. 24, the games will end. The window is then open for three more weeks to allow users to redeem their Sweeps Coins for prizes. But then it all shuts down entirely in mid-September.
The email also clarifies that the decision does not affect any of parent company Virtual Gaming Worlds’ other properties, such as Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Casino, and Global Poker.
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Global Poker Remains
Even though VGW is scaling back their offerings with its brands, Global Poker remains active. LuckyLand Slots is shutting down in the face of the nationwide crackdown on sweeps casinos with more and more states banning them every month, such as Iowa or Tennessee. VGW appears to not believe that the slots brand is viable anymore.
However, the crackdown on sweeps poker has not been as severe. Indiana for instance has carved out an area for sweeps poker in the midst of banning sweepstakes casinos. The reason for this carveout is that poker is considered a peer-to-peer skill-based game.
VGW Holdings also made significant contributions to Tommy Tuberville’s gubernatorial campaign in Alabama. Its attempt to invest heavily in the state comes despite Alabama having some of the strictest gambling restrictions in the nation. That indicates that VGW has confidence that at least some of its products have a viable near future in the U.S.
Gambling-Like Games Under the Guise of Poker
Global Poker can also smuggle in some more gambling-like products to scratch customers’ itch. There are certain games that are very gambling-like that still fall under the guise of poker despite being less skill-based.
One such example is Global Poker’s “Shovefests.” These are poker tournaments where every player automatically goes all in every hand, making the winner entirely dependent on who gets the best cards and best runouts. They remove all thinking and strategy.
There is also “All in or Fold.” These require a bit of strategy to decide when to fold, but ultimately, it is mainly a luck-based game.
