VGW Founder Laurence Escalante’s volatile relationship with the company’s shareholders has intensified after he set up a second sweepstakes casino business.
Reports revealed that shareholders discovered the news after an investor group chat that Escalante’s family office, Lance East Office, is the holding company of Kickr Games– which offers both social sports betting and casino in the US.
Although small in comparison, aggravated investors believe Kickr acts as a direct competitor of VGW, which is widely acknowledged as the biggest sweepstakes and social games operator in the sector, running brands such as Chumba Casino, Global Poker and LuckyLand Slots.
Kickr was originally formed in 2023 and is registered in Australia. Todd McKee, formerly an Executive at VGW, is listed as its only director.
When questioned, VGW told the Australian Financial Review that it does not see Kickr as a competitor and that it is “completely separate” and has “no impact” on VGW or its operations.
VGW’s unlikely New York decision
VGW has also recently revealed the deacon to pull its sweepstakes gaming offering from New York.
The operator informed players in the Empire State that it is winding down the Sweeps Coins section of its offering.
Beginning 2 June, players will no longer be able to amass Sweeps Coins and any remaining Sweeps Coins players hold can be used until 2 July. Players will then have until 1 August to redeem any remaining Sweeps Coins.
A VGW spokesperson told iGaming Expert: “We understand this is an adjustment after many years, and some players may be disappointed. This decision wasn’t taken lightly and was made at this time in the best interests of all our stakeholders.”
