Gaming alliance establishes to safeguard the sweepstakes-centered casino approach
In the wake of a recent ban on sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey, the Social Gaming and Entertainment Association (SGLA) has taken a firm stance to defend the social gaming and sweepstakes casino sector. The SGLA, a newly formed alliance, has strongly criticised the New Jersey law, labelling it as draconian and an example of government overreach that restricts consumer choice and unfairly protects traditional gambling interests [1][2][3].
Laurence Escalante, the founder and CEO of social gaming company VGW, has been vocal about the need to separate facts from misinformation. He emphasised that VGW recognises its responsibility to ensure the facts about its games, operations, and standards are understood [6]. Escalante also advocated for appropriate industry frameworks that promote transparency, player safety, and responsible innovation [7].
The SGLA's focus extends beyond New Jersey. In California, the alliance is allied with a small tribal group to combat anti-sweepstakes bills that threaten significant job losses and economic impact. The alliance has testified against such bills, warning of the risks these bans pose to the sector [4][5].
The SGLA is also working to clarify how social casino products operate, particularly in contrast to traditional online gambling platforms. The alliance aims to educate policymakers and the public about the differences between social gaming and traditional gambling, emphasising the entertainment aspect of social gaming [8].
In addition to its advocacy work, the SGLA is holding discussions with other operators and service providers to broaden support for its cause. The alliance did not mention any specific plans or actions regarding the violation in Delaware, where VGW's Luckyland was ordered to shut down its operations for violating gaming laws last month [5].
The SGLA's efforts come as some states are tightening scrutiny on sweepstakes models, which blend entertainment and real rewards. The alliance urges other states to avoid New Jersey's regulatory approach and instead seek balanced policies that protect consumers while fostering industry growth [1][3]. The SGLA continues to advocate for the social gaming and sweepstakes sector, pushing back on outright bans, promoting regulatory frameworks, and supporting stakeholders in key states where legislation is pending [1][3][4][5].
[1] Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
[2] New Jersey Bans Sweepstakes Casinos
[3] SGLA Condemns New Jersey's Ban on Sweepstakes Casinos
[4] SGLA Opposes California's Anti-Sweepstakes Bills
[5] SGLA Testifies Against California's Anti-Sweepstakes Bills
[6] VGW CEO Emphasizes Importance of Fact-based Discourse
[7] VGW Advocates for Responsible Innovation
[8] SGLA Aims to Clarify Social Casino Products
- The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has advocated for balanced policies that protect consumers while fostering industry growth, particularly in the technology-driven arena of casino-gambling and casino-games, urging other states to avoid draconian regulations like the New Jersey law.
- Laurence Escalante, a key player in the casino-culture, notably the founder and CEO of VGW, has emphasized the importance of separating facts from misinformation in the gambling-trends discussion, advocating for appropriate industry frameworks that promote transparency, player safety, and responsible innovation.
- As part of its efforts, the SGLA is collaborating with other casino-personalities and industry stakeholders to broaden support for their cause, striving to educate policymakers and the public about the differences between social gaming and traditional gambling, and the entertainment aspect of social casino-games.
