Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Bala Kumar
Nevada poker players lost access to one of the most popular sweepstakes poker platforms in the country this week. But the door may not be closed for good.
The Shutdown: What Happened
ClubWPT Gold informed its Nevada users last week that the site would become unavailable in the state from September 28. Chip purchases were blocked right away, and from midnight Monday, Nevada-based players can no longer join tournaments or cash games on the platform.
The news hit hard. ClubWPT Gold is known for running some of the largest guaranteed prize pools in U.S. sweepstakes poker, and thousands of its players are based in Nevada.
A Glimmer of Hope
Shortly after the first announcement, the company sent Nevada players a follow-up message with a more encouraging tone. It explained that the pause was a reaction to changing regulations in the state and said the company hopes to bring gameplay back after making changes to its product.
No details have been shared about what those changes will be, and there’s no timeline for a return. Still, the message suggests this is a temporary exit rather than a permanent goodbye.
How ClubWPT Gold Works
Unlike traditional real-money poker sites, ClubWPT Gold runs on a sweepstakes model. Instead of depositing cash, players buy a hand-analysis product and receive free chips as a bonus. Those chips can be used in tournaments and ring games, and winnings can later be redeemed for real money. The platform is promoted by big-name ambassadors including Phil Ivey and Doug Polk, and it operates only in the United States.
Why Regulators Are Paying Attention
Sweepstakes gaming sits in a legal grey area. Supporters argue it’s a lawful promotional model, while critics see it as a workaround that allows casino-style games in places where they would otherwise need a license. Nevada is one of several states now tightening rules on this model, and ClubWPT Gold’s exit is one of the most visible results so far.
What Nevada Players Can Do Now
Players in Nevada have two main options for the time being:
Play on WSOP Online. Online poker is fully legal in Nevada, and WSOP Online is the state’s only licensed traditional poker site. It also hosts occasional online WSOP bracelet and Circuit events.
Play from another state. Players willing to travel can still access ClubWPT Gold from nearby states where it remains available, such as California.
The Bottom Line
For now, ClubWPT Gold is offline in Nevada. Whether it returns depends on how the company reshapes its product and how regulators respond. With the wider crackdown on sweepstakes gaming growing across the U.S., this is a story worth watching.
FAQs
1. Why did ClubWPT Gold stop operating in Nevada?
ClubWPT Gold paused its Nevada operations because of changing regulations affecting sweepstakes gaming in the state.
2. When did ClubWPT Gold leave Nevada?
ClubWPT Gold stopped Nevada players from joining tournaments and cash games from September 28, 2026. Chip purchases were blocked earlier.
3. Will ClubWPT Gold return to Nevada?
The company has indicated that it hopes to resume gameplay after making changes to its product, but it has not announced a specific return date.
4. Can Nevada players still play online poker?
Yes. Nevada has licensed online poker, including WSOP Online. Players should check the current availability and eligibility requirements before registering.
5. Can Nevada players access ClubWPT Gold from another state?
ClubWPT Gold’s availability depends on the laws and eligibility rules of the player’s location. Nevada residents should not attempt to bypass geolocation restrictions to access the platform.
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