VGW Founder Resigns as Sweepstakes CEO

VGW founder resigns after 16 years leading the largest US sweepstakes casino operator. Laurence Escalante stepped down as chief executive officer of VGW, the company confirmed. The exit removes VGW’s founder during a period of rising US legal pressure on sweepstakes casinos.

Escalante Exits as VGW Searches for a New CEO

Escalante resigned as both CEO and executive chairman of VGW. The resignation took effect immediately, according to Gambling Insider. Acting CEO Mats Johnson will lead VGW during a global search for a permanent chief executive. VGW operates Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Global Poker, LuckyLand Casino and United Slots.

Escalante had been on leave since January 2026, following criminal charges from Western Australia Police. The charges include family-violence and drug-related offenses, according to Gambling Insider. VGW said the charges were personal and unrelated to VGW’s operations. Escalante has denied the allegations.

Escalante completed the privatization of VGW less than a year ago. In August 2025, shareholders approved Escalante’s buyout of the remaining 30% of VGW. That deal valued VGW at A$3.2 billion, or about $2.3 billion. VGW reported revenue of A$7.3 billion, about $5.2 billion, for the year ended June 30, 2025.

VGW faces mounting regulatory pressure in the United States. The United States is VGW’s largest market. Indiana, Maine, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Iowa enacted sweepstakes legislation in 2026. The Kentucky Attorney General also sued VGW, alleging illegal gambling, per Gambling Insider. Chumba Casino held 19.2% of the US sweepstakes market in May 2026, according to Blask.