Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the operator of three sweepstakes casinos — Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and LuckyLand Slots — will stop offering all of its sweeps promotions in New Jersey after the passage of a ban bill.
New Jersey Assembly Bill A5447 Can Become Law Without Gov.’s Signature
The state legislature passed Assembly Bill A5447 on June 30, and the measure still awaits Governor Phil Murphy’s signature to become law. Bills passed by the state legislative body typically require the state governor’s signature.
However, under New Jersey law, even if the governor takes no action, the bill will automatically become law after 45 days via pocket approval. That deadline falls in the month of August.
Last week, VGW confirmed to its New Jersey users via email that it would phase out Promotional Play across its platforms in the Garden State. Players will no longer be able to earn Sweeps Coins starting July 29.
This includes several promotions, such as daily login rewards, contests, and gifts with Gold Coin purchases. Users can still play with available Sweeps Coins until August 26.
From that point on, they can no longer use the premium coins but can still redeem any eligible Sweeps Coins. Beginning September 24, players will no longer be able to play in Promotional Play in New Jersey.
Users, however, can still play on the platform in Standard Play using Gold Coins.
A5447 Expands Definition Of Gambling
New Jersey will become yet another U.S. jurisdiction that VGW has ceased offering sweeps play, joining territories like Connecticut, Montana, and New York, all of which have banned sweepstakes casinos this year.
A5447 expands the definition of “gambling” within the criminal statutes to include “the buying, selling, or trading something of value upon an agreement or understanding that the actor will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome in a contest of chance.”
“Sweepstakes” is also defined as “a promotional, advertising, or marketing event, contest, or game, whether played online or in person, in which something of value, such as a prize or prize equivalent, is awarded, either directly or indirectly through means such as a dual currency system of payment that allows a participant to exchange the currency for a prize or prize equivalent.”
In addition, A5447 establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling practices. Any person or entity found in violation of AB 5447 would be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for the first offense and not more than $250,000 for the second and each subsequent offense.