.svg)
Social gaming companies launched the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) today in Washington DC. The new coalition brings together major players in free-to-play, casino-themed online games.
VGW, PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive and B-Two Operations have joined forces as operators. Payment provider Nuvei rounds out the founding group.
Former Congressman Jeff Duncan from South Carolina’s Third District will serve as Executive Director. His background in politics brings government experience to the alliance.
The timing isn’t random. Millions of adults play these games, and the industry wants to make sure decision-makers understand how they work.
Social gaming has grown quickly, creating both entertainment value and economic benefits. But with growth comes scrutiny.
VGW founder Laurence Escalante pointed to his company’s decade of North American operations. “We recognise the rising interest in our sector and our responsibility,” he said, noting the need for facts about their games and operations to be clearly understood.
The SGLA has laid out four core principles. They insist games must always be free to play, with no required purchases.
They’re pushing for responsible gameplay standards, monitoring player behaviour and offering management tools. Security protocols and data protection are priorities, too.
Age verification processes are a must, as the alliance believes casino-themed games should only be accessible to adults.
“Social games industry leaders are already investing heavily in financial security, data privacy, responsible social gameplay and consumer protections,” said Duncan. They’re “ready and open to sensible regulation,” he added.
The alliance aims to influence regulatory frameworks. They want rules that recognise social gaming’s unique entertainment value while maintaining player protections.
Patrick Fechtmeyer, CEO of ARB Interactive, noted the “need for clear, fact-based dialogue” as online social gaming continues to surge.
The SGLA is actively talking with other potential industry partners. They’re positioning themselves as the go-to voice for integrity and trust in social gaming.
A McLuck spokesperson (one of B-Two Operations’ brands) said working with the SGLA will “benefit everyone who participates in the industry.”
In related news, last week, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengo called upon a united response to tackle problem gambling at a global conference in Quezon City.
PAGCOR stressed that it is committed to combating problem gambling and welcomes a cross-sector collaboration to aid in enforcing regulations. At the global conference, Tengco highlighted the importance of current regulatory safeguards such as ad restrictions, self-exclusion measures, automatic bans for minors and government employees.
Tengo commented: “Gaming has inherent social risks, but with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players.”
