Social gaming operators form new advocacy group to tackle regulatory challenges

A group of leading social gaming operators have joined forces to launch the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), a new advocacy group set to push for industry-friendly regulations.

Former Congressman Jeff Duncan will lead the coalition, which includes Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive, B-Two Operations, and payment processor Nuvei. 

VGW CEO Laurence Escalante said the coalition aims to promote the facts about social gaming and establish clear industry standards. “Online social gaming is a well-established, popular form of entertainment in North America, where we’ve operated for more than a decade," Escalante stated.

“As a pioneer and market leader, we recognize the rising interest in our sector and our responsibility to both ensure the facts about our games, operations, and standards are understood and advocate for what we believe the appropriate industry frameworks should look like,” he added.

The SGLA focuses on four principles: free-to-play options, responsible gaming, player and platform protection, and age restrictions. The group plans to engage lawmakers, regulators, media, and the public.

The move comes as social gaming faces growing legal pressure. Several states, including Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, and Washington, have issued cease and desist orders against VGW and other sweepstakes operators.

Earlier this year, VGW shut down its Global Poker brand in Nevada due to regulatory scrutiny, ending Gold Coin sales in January and closing accounts by mid-April.

Separately, the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), formed last September by other social gaming operators, opposes new legislation restricting sweepstakes and social gaming.