Real Prize customers in New Yorkwere left in the lurch after the site closed a day earlier than it had previously communicated.
The RealPlay Tech-operated sweepstake casino site initially gave customers a 28 March deadline for customers to redeem their Sweepstake Coin balances, after announcing it would be exiting the Empire State.
However, according to customers and corroborated by screenshots seen by NEXT.io, the sweepstake casino in fact closed a day early on 27 March, leaving customers unable to redeem money from their accounts.
An email from Real Prize support to a customer said: “You are correct, our communication stated service would be discontinued on March 28th, 2025. However, due to the finalization of our system changes, we have had to implement the access restrictions slightly earlier than initially stated.
“We understand your frustration in not being able to redeem your remaining SC. Please be aware that minimum redemption limits apply. Unfortunately, the action to discontinue service in New York is final.”
Real Prize reportedly one of several to make hasty exit
The news follows multiple sweepstake casinos telling customers they would be exiting New York following conversations with state officials, as reported by the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), which represents several sweepstakes operators.
It comes as Joseph Addabbo Jr.’s bill to ban the activity continues to proceed through the legislature, where it was recently approved by the NYS Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.
Following the exodus, NEXT.iohas received unconfirmed reports that several sweepstakes operators, none of which are SPGA members, closed with little or no notice.
One site reportedly closed immediately with zero time for customers to redeem Sweepstake Coins, while others gave a deadline of just one or two days.
Meanwhile, other sites offered much longer wind-down periods including up to mid-April.
Sweepstakes critic and gaming lawyer Daniel Wallach told NEXT.io: “False or misleading statements about when a company is exiting New York could lull players into a false sense of security regarding the redeemability of account balances.
“It could certainly be considered a false and deceptive trade practice under state law, and provide a point of entry for a possible private civil lawsuit or New York Attorney General civil enforcement action.”
NEXT.ioreached out to Real Prize for comment but did not receive a response by the provided deadline.