Grade: closed
Kickr was a social sportsbook and sweepstakes casino operated by Kickr Games Pty Ltd, part of the family office of Laurence Escalante — founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds, the operator behind Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. It ceased operations on March 31, 2026, citing shifting market conditions and a parent-company decision to refocus on new verticals. New registrations and coin purchases were halted on March 1, and players were directed to redeem any remaining Bucks before the March 31 shutdown. The kickr.com domain now redirects to GetGud, a separate skill-based gaming app from the same operator.
As a well-funded, VGW-affiliated brand, Kickr carried a generally solid reputation during its run, with a Trustpilot score in the average range across a modest review base. The closure was handled with advance notice and a clear redemption window, so player grievances are limited mainly to those who did not redeem their Bucks before the deadline.
Kickr operated without the payout scandals that plagued weaker sweeps brands, and its exit was orderly. Its record is that of a legitimate operator that chose to leave a contracting U.S. sweeps market rather than one forced out for misconduct.
Closed. Kickr ceased operations on March 31, 2026 and no longer exists as a sweepstakes product; kickr.com now redirects to the operator's separate GetGud skill-gaming app. This report is retained as a historical record. Any Bucks not redeemed before the deadline are forfeited. We note Kickr's responsible, well-backed wind-down — among the cleaner closures in the 2025–26 sweeps contraction.
Last updated: June 19, 2026