The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance held its first Online Social Games Expo on October 2. SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan led the virtual event alongside industry figures from several major operators.
Yellow Social Interactive Director Paul Foster participated. So did Derek Brinkman, who advises on product at Virtual Gaming Worlds. ARB Interactive’s General Counsel Bryan Schroeder joined the panel too.
Eric Wright rounded out the speakers. He’s CEO of the Kletsel Economic Development Authority and runs tribal gaming operations.
The group assembled specifically to push back against what they call misinformation about their industry. They wanted their side heard before the Global Gaming Expo kicks off in Las Vegas next week.
Why This Push Matters Now
The timing wasn’t random. G2E runs October 6-9, and it’s the industry’s biggest annual gathering.
SGLA tried to host a similar panel at G2E itself. The conference organisers turned them down. That rejection prompted the independent forum instead.
Duncan acknowledged the event’s name had a “slightly tongue-in-cheek” quality. But he insisted the substance wasn’t joking around at all. “We thought it was important to share our industry’s perspective leading into the Global Games Expo,” he said.
The sweepstakes gaming sector faces ongoing scrutiny. Critics question whether these platforms blur lines with traditional gambling. Some state regulators have raised concerns about player protections.
And there’s another angle. The Social and Promotional Games Association started merging its efforts with SGLA on September 16. That consolidation signals the industry is closing ranks.
What the Forum Covered
The discussion tackled age verification systems that social gaming platforms use. Player protection measures got significant attention too.
Duncan’s quote highlighted the range: “From robust age verification and player protections to the entertainment online social games with sweepstakes provide, the Online Social Games Expo discussion covered a lot of important ground.”
The speakers emphasised their commitment to responsible innovation. Industry integrity came up repeatedly throughout the session.
They focused on sweepstakes promotions specifically. That’s the model where players can win prizes through promotional systems rather than direct wagering.
How This Positions the Industry
SGLA framed the expo as proof of their regulatory commitment. They’re trying to show state governments and gaming authorities that social gaming operators support proper oversight.
The industry wants platforms, players and state economies all protected through regulation. That’s their pitch, anyway.
Getting denied at G2E might actually work in their favour. Hosting an independent event let them control the message completely. No opposing voices on the panel meant their narrative went unchallenged.
The consolidation with the Social and Promotional Games Association strengthens their lobbying position too. More resources, unified messaging.
Whether regulators and critics buy these arguments remains to be seen. But the social gaming sector clearly isn’t backing down from the debate.
