Earlier this month, ClubWPT Gold, a sweepstakes-based poker site, announced a significant operational change. With the deadline rapidly approaching for the new system set to be in place on September 17, many players are left questioning what these changes will entail.
An announcement was issued on the operator’s player support page indicating that Gold Coins (GC) will be eliminated from the site, along with the discontinuation of GC ring games and tournaments. ClubWPT Gold reassured players that they could still enjoy free poker games by participating in Daily Rewards Freerolls found in the tournament lobby. However, the removal of Gold Coins raises critical questions regarding the site’s capacity to provide real-money gaming, particularly since Gold Coins have traditionally been a key element in acquiring Sweeps Coins (SC), which can be exchanged for cash.
Previously, players received SC for every Gold Coin they purchased, creating a 1-to-1 value ratio with the US dollar upon withdrawal. This method has been described as a legal loophole, enabling the platform to function in numerous U.S. states where online gaming is otherwise unregulated. With the removal of Gold Coins, it appears that the site may no longer be able to leverage this loophole, leading to uncertainty among players about the site’s future viability and the security of their balances.
ClubWPT Gold, a separate licensed entity distinct from the World Poker Tour (WPT), launched less than a year ago, having been introduced in late 2024 during the WPT’s World Championships. The brand quickly gained traction, notably through its $5 million freeroll tournament held at the Wynn, which required players to register with ClubWPT Gold for a chance to compete. Despite a significant marketing push, about 25% of the seats remained unfilled, leading to Chase Bricker taking home a $1 million prize as the winner of the event.
The brand’s aggressive marketing strategies, including a strong online presence and partnerships with prominent figures in poker like Doug Polk, have helped establish its reputation in a competitive marketplace. ClubWPT Gold even created controversy during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) with its “Gold Rush” promotion, which resulted in accusations of chip-dumping among players, ultimately leading to bans and no accolades being awarded to the involved parties—a scenario described by PokerOrg as “industrial sabotage.”
As ClubWPT Gold approaches its first anniversary, player confidence in the platform has been shaken by the announcement of changes to its GC/SC system. In addition, the platform has faced growing scrutiny in several states, recently announcing operational closures in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Louisiana, with Louisiana players given less than a week to withdraw their funds.
New Jersey players, facing legal restrictions, have been advised to leave the state to request their withdrawals, further complicating matters. Other states are also moving to close the legal loopholes that allow online sweepstakes poker to operate. The implications for Global Poker, a longer-established sweepstakes poker site, serve as a cautionary tale, as it recently exited Canada amid a lawsuit concerning unpaid taxes.
Looking ahead, many are left wondering what form the “game-changing new feature” will take and how ClubWPT Gold will adapt to remain relevant. Potential avenues could include a partnership with Upswing Poker to create a training-oriented platform, or possibly shifting to a subscription model, though this would pit it against its similarly named counterpart, ClubWPT.
As the regulatory landscape for unregulated poker sites tightens, the urgency for clarity and communication from ClubWPT Gold has never been greater. Players, feeling the pressure of impending changes, await answers that will impact their experience on the site moving forward. Inquiries for further comments from ClubWPT Gold remain unanswered as the deadline approaches.
