Pragmatic Play has withdrawn from U.S. sweepstakes casinos, citing complex regulations and ongoing legal challenges. The move impacts popular slots and signals a shift toward fully regulated iGaming markets.
Pragmatic Play, one of the biggest names in online casino games, has decided to stop supplying its titles to U.S. sweepstakes casinos. The company says the move comes after growing legal pressure and regulatory uncertainty in the United States.
Why Did Pragmatic Play Leave?
In recent months, sweepstakes casinos have faced closer scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. A major turning point came when Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto filed a lawsuit against Stake.us and several game suppliers, including Pragmatic Play, accusing them of operating illegal online gambling.
Following this, Pragmatic Play announced it would no longer work with sweepstakes casinos in the U.S., stressing its commitment to compliance and responsible gaming.
What It Means for Players
If you’ve played on sites like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, or Pulsz, you’ll notice some of Pragmatic Play’s most popular games are now missing. Titles like:
- Gates of Olympus
- Sweet Bonanza
- Sugar Rush
These games were fan favorites, and their removal will be a big change for many sweepstakes players.
Impact on the Industry
Pragmatic Play is the first major supplier to completely leave the U.S. sweeps market, but it may not be the last.
- Evolution, another big content provider, already pulled its games from Stake.us in California.
- Play’n GO has never offered its games to sweepstakes casinos, focusing only on fully regulated markets.
At the same time, California lawmakers are pushing AB 831, a bill that would ban sweepstakes casinos altogether and fine any companies that support them.
What’s Next?
This decision could reshape the sweepstakes casino industry in the U.S. Without big-name providers like Pragmatic Play, operators may turn to smaller studios to fill the gap. Meanwhile, players will likely see fewer blockbuster titles available.
For Pragmatic Play, the move might be a step toward preparing for a future entry into regulated iGaming markets in the U.S., where compliance and licensing are required.
Key Takeaway
Pragmatic Play’s exit marks a major turning point for U.S. sweepstakes casinos. As legal battles continue and new laws advance, more suppliers could follow the same path. For players, this means fewer popular slot games, and for the industry, it signals a shift toward a more regulated future.
Source: NEXT.io
