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As the scrutiny on sweepstakes gaming intensifies in the US, especially in California, two major trade associations are joining forces to better represent the interests of social gaming operators and brands.
The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) is merging with the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) to form a single, united advocacy group. This shift marks the end of the SPGA as a standalone entity, which had only launched in 2024.
A spokesperson for the SPGA confirmed that its advocacy efforts will now operate under the SGLA banner, creating a unified voice to tackle pressing social gaming issues amid the current legislative climate.
The consolidation builds on the SGLA’s previous expansion, which occurred when it partnered with Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) in May 2025. This coalition, led by former Congressman Jeff Duncan, now includes notable members such as ARB Interactive, the owner of Publishers Clearing House, along with PLAYSTUDIOS and Yellow Social Interactive.
Four key principles
The SGLA has established four main principles to guide its efforts in the social gaming sector. These principles focus on promoting free-to-play gaming options, encouraging responsible gameplay, safeguarding players, and ensuring that platforms adhere to age restrictions.
With the merger, members from the now-defunct SPGA will adopt and implement these principles under the SGLA framework.
Originally launched in September 2024 with ten members, the SPGA brought a variety of operators and brands into the fold, such as Blazesoft, Fliff, Gold Coin Group, High 5 Entertainment, Kickr Games, Octacom, and Woopla Gaming. The SPGA also featured two internal committees dedicated to enhancing player protections and ensuring regulatory compliance.
California sweepstakes ban top of agenda
The recent consolidation of efforts between the SPGA and SGLA comes in response to California Assembly Bill 831, which seeks to ban online social games and sweeptsakes casinos.
This legislation passed the California Assembly with a unanimous 79-0 vote and has now reached Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk after receiving approval from the Senate. Newsom must decide whether to sign or veto the bill by October 12, as it targets dual-currency social games and sweepstakes that resemble gambling and offer cash payouts.
“It is incredibly disappointing that the California Assembly decided to pass AB 831. Beyond the fact that this bill would worsen economic disparities among California tribes, put California to the back of the line in terms of digital innovation in this space, and take away a popular form of entertainment for residents, it will immediately strip $1 billion out of the state’s economy,” said Duncan after the California Assembly passed the measure.
The SGLA is also urging Newsom to veto the bill. If the governor does not take action, AB 831 could be enacted through a “pocket signature,” allowing it to become law without his explicit approval.
Bill causing divide among tribes
AB 831 is creating a right among California tribes, with a clear divide in support and opposition. On one side, the measure has gained backing from influential groups like the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). These larger gaming tribes see sweepstakes as a threat to their commercial success.
However, not all tribes agree. Several smaller tribes, including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria, which collaborates with social gaming leader VGW, have expressed opposition to the legislation.
The California Cities Gaming Authority and various cities with cardrooms have also raised objections together with the SGLA.
Source: SBCAmericas
