VGW and industry leaders launch Social Gaming Leadership Alliance for responsibility

Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), the company behind popular platforms like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is teaming up with other major players in the social gaming space to launch the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA).

The SGLA states that it is focused on raising the bar for responsible standards in the social gaming industry. Their four key principles are making sure games stay free to play, promoting responsible gaming habits, safeguarding both players and platforms, and ensuring only age-appropriate users can access the games.

Announcing the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA)! This new coalition of leading games operators, service providers & players is dedicated to advocating for the online social games industry.

Follow us as we shape the future of online social gaming: https://t.co/3Ql1H899Pj pic.twitter.com/FrV5LiAHns

— Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) (@SGLeadership) May 20, 2025

VGW is joined by big names like PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive (which operates Pulsz), ARB Interactive (the team behind Modo Casino), B-Two Operations (known for McLuck, Hello Millions, and Spin Blitz), and payment processor Nuvei. Leading the alliance is former US Congressman Jeff Duncan, who has been appointed as executive director.

Social Gaming Leadership Alliance formed to promote ‘responsible social gameplay’

In a joint press statement from the SGLA and the firms involved, Duncan said: “Social games industry leaders are already investing heavily in financial security, data privacy, responsible social gameplay and consumer protections. And they are ready and open to sensible regulation that can benefit hard-working constituents in the states where they operate.

“The SGLA’s partners are uniquely positioned to work with lawmakers, stakeholders and players to support innovation in digital games and ensure millions of Americans have the freedom to enjoy the games they love in a safe environment. I look forward to working with state and industry leadership to do just that.”

Release: Today marks the establishment of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), a coalition of industry leaders advocating for the online social games industry. pic.twitter.com/jk44VA7Mn1

— RLinnehanSR (@RLinnehanSR) May 20, 2025

VGW CEO Laurence Escalante stressed the company’s commitment to leading the industry in innovation and player-first practices. “VGW has consistently led the way in innovation and player-first practices.

“Now, we’re excited to establish the SGLA with like-minded partners to take this further, promoting the highest standards of player protection and industry integrity while advocating for sensible regulatory frameworks that reflect the role of online social games as a safe and growing component of the interactive entertainment industry,” Escalante stated.

Patrick Fechtmeyer, ARB Interactive CEO, added: “The surge in online social gaming highlights the need for clear, fact-based dialogue that reflects our industry’s commitment to safe, fun, and free-to-play entertainment.”

Sweepstakes under legal scrutiny

It’s worth pointing out that this new alliance is separate from the Social and Promotional Games Association, which represents a different set of companies.

The launch of the group comes at a time when the sweepstakes gaming industry is under growing regulatory and legislative scrutiny across the US, with increasing pressure on its business model. The SGLA has also said it’s actively in discussions with other industry partners about joining the effort and supporting its mission.

Featured image: Social Gaming Leadership Alliance

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