Pragmatic Play has officially pulled out of the U.S. sweepstakes casino market, leaving a big gap in game libraries at sites like Stake.us and others. The Malta-based studio was one of the most prolific providers in the space, powering dozens of the most recognizable titles that helped sweeps casinos attract millions of players.
The decision comes after Pragmatic was named in a civil lawsuit filed against Stake.us by the City of Los Angeles, which accused the operator and several suppliers of “aiding and abetting” illegal gambling. Facing potential liability in the hundreds of millions, Pragmatic opted to withdraw entirely from the gray-area sweeps industry, saying it will focus on compliance and regulated markets going forward.
For players, that means saying goodbye to some of the most iconic slots in the sweeps casino space. Here are the Pragmatic Play titles we’ll miss most.
Sweet Bonanza
No slot defined Pragmatic Play quite like Sweet Bonanza. With its candy-coated reels, tumbling wins, and high 21,175x max payout, this was one of the most played titles across all sweeps casinos. The upbeat soundtrack and scatter-triggered free spins round made it both approachable for casuals and rewarding for grinders chasing multipliers.
Gates of Olympus
Zeus himself became the face of sweeps casinos thanks to Gates of Olympus. Its 6×5 grid and tumbling reels mirrored Sweet Bonanza, but multipliers and bonus buys made it a fan favorite. The slot’s sky-high volatility meant players could endure long droughts but also land million-coin wins in a single spin.
Sugar Rush
A spiritual cousin to Sweet Bonanza, Sugar Rush took the candy theme to a bigger 7×7 cluster pays grid. With retriggers, sticky multipliers, and the potential to pay 25,000x in newer versions, this slot became a sweeps staple. Its vibrant visuals and addictive gameplay loop made it hard to log off.
Big Bass Splash
Few slot series became as synonymous with Pragmatic Play as the Big Bass franchise. Big Bass Splash stood out thanks to its high RTP (96.71%) and fun fishing bonus round. Whether you reeled in small cash prizes or hooked a 5,000x jackpot, the theme was simple, accessible, and beloved.
The Dog House Megaways
Pragmatic combined two player favorites — dogs and Megaways — and the result was one of the most entertaining sweeps slots around. With up to 117,649 paylines, sticky wilds, and huge multipliers, The Dog House Megaways offered massive upside while keeping the lighthearted, cartoonish style that made it instantly recognizable.
What This Means for Sweeps Players
Pragmatic Play’s exit is a big blow to sweepstakes casinos. Their games consistently ranked among the most played and most streamed in the U.S. market. While operators will fill the gap with other providers, the loss of Pragmatic’s polished graphics, innovative bonus features, and iconic franchises will be felt.
At the same time, this could mark a shift in the sweeps industry overall. More developers may decide the legal risk isn’t worth the reward, pushing sweeps operators to rely on smaller studios or pivot their game libraries.
For now, it’s farewell to Pragmatic Play at sweeps casinos, and to some of the most beloved slots players had at their fingertips.
Best Alternatives to Pragmatic Play at Sweeps Casinos
If you’re disappointed to see Pragmatic Play go, the good news is that plenty of other software developers still supply games to U.S. sweeps casinos. Here are some of the top alternatives:
- NetEnt – Known for Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and progressive jackpot slots like Divine Fortune. NetEnt’s polished graphics and long track record make them a safe bet.
- Play’n GO – Creators of Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Gemix. Play’n GO is one of the most versatile slot providers with a wide range of themes and mechanics.
- Relax Gaming – The studio behind Money Train and Book of 99, Relax Gaming is a player favorite for highly volatile slots with big win potential.
- Red Tiger – Offers popular Megaways titles and jackpot slots. Their games are often visually striking and fast-paced.
- Hacksaw Gaming – Known for unique mechanics in titles like Wanted Dead or a Wild. Hacksaw has carved out a niche with edgy themes and high variance slots.
These studios won’t fully replace Pragmatic Play’s style, but they give sweeps players plenty of exciting alternatives to explore.
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