Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker have raised their minimum age requirement to 21. The three sites all have the same parent company, Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), which is rolling out the change in phases. Players between 18 and 20 will still be able to log in and redeem eligible Sweeps Coins until April 16, but as of today, can no longer play games with them. Starting April 17, logging in will only be possible for those 21 and over.
VGW has not explicitly provided a reason for the decision. However, raising the minimum age to match that of most real-money gaming options is likely a responsible gaming measure. Social casinos, including sweepstakes casinos, have faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, and some may be taking a proactive approach to maintain a positive image.
There’s still time to redeem eligible Sweeps Coins
The updated Terms and Conditions page for Chumba Casino now states that the site is available only to those over 21. That was expected, as at the beginning of February, users received a message warning of the upcoming change. The message, appearing after logging in, also included a link to an FAQ page explaining the process. Chumba implemented the new rule in a phased approach:
- Effective February 12: Users under 21 can no longer purchase Gold Coin packages but can continue playing with Gold and Sweeps Coins.
- Effective February 19: Underage users can no longer play using either currency, and the sites will stop accepting mail-in requests for free Sweeps Coins. However, players can still redeem eligible Sweeps Coins for cash prizes.
- Effective April 17: Those under 21 can no longer redeem Sweeps Coins or access Chumba, LuckyLand Slots, or Global Poker.
Impacted users can email support after their 21st birthday to have their accounts reinstated. However, unused coins expire 60 days after the last login, so most users will lose any coins they haven’t redeemed before April 17.
Age limit increase could address some criticisms
Most gambling in the US has an age limit of either 18 or 21. In most states, the higher age limit applies only to real-money casino-style gaming, daily fantasy sports, or sports betting offered by commercial operators. Lotteries, charitable gaming, tribal casinos, and bingo are more often 18+. Notably, play-money social casinos are typically available to ages 18 and up, and those include sweepstakes casinos. However, the inclusion of a sweepstakes with cash prizes has led some critics to argue that sweeps casinos should use an age limit similar to their real-money counterparts.
One critic is Sen. Joseph Addabbo, New York’s chief proponent of online casino legalization. Addabbo recently said he would push to address the sweeps casino loophole, as he considers these sites unregulated gaming. One particular issue for Addabbo is that because sweeps casinos are unregulated, they are available to users over 18. Meanwhile regulated options like commercial gambling operations and New York sportsbooks require users to be over 21.
Addabbo says he would work on banning or incorporating social gaming sites in New York. While it’s unclear what the latter means, he may consider an alternative to an outright ban. A proposed bill in neighboring New Jersey aims to do that. If passed, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese’s proposal would classify sweeps casinos as a form of regulated, real-money gambling. That would automatically raise the minimum age to 21.
VGW is not the only operator with a 21+ policy
Most sweepstakes and social casinos are available to users over 18 because they operate under federal sweepstakes laws. While the switch to 21 makes VGW an exception, it’s not the only operator that has opted for a higher minimum age.
Since its launch, Stake.us has only accepted players over 21. The site is also one of a few that requires an identity verification process before anyone can play, partly to prevent underage access. Meanwhile, last year, High 5 Casino also raised its minimum age to 21. Other social and sweeps casinos that have set the minimum age to 21 include Ding Ding Ding, BetRivers.net, Horseplay, and Golden Hearts (in certain jurisdictions).
