PERTH, AUS – VGW is pleased to announce the launch of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), a coalition of industry leaders advocating for the online social games industry.

As announced by the SGLA today, the US-based organisation launched this week and aims to ensure key stakeholders are well informed about the growing online social games industry, including free-to-play, casino-themed games that leverage sweepstakes promotions.

The SGLA unites digital entertainment market leaders, service providers and players who share the same passion about the many benefits of this well-established, innovative industry. Other partners include PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive and B-Two Operations, along with major payments provider Nuvei.

The Alliance has appointed former US Congressman Jeff Duncan as Executive Director.

VGW founder and Chief Executive Officer Laurence Escalante said that as a pioneer and market leader of the industry, the company recognized its responsibility to both ensure the facts about SGLA partners’ games, operations and standards are understood, and advocate for appropriate industry frameworks.

“VGW has consistently led the way in innovation and player-first practices,” he said.

“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.”

The SGLA aims to set the standard for responsible innovation and advocates for appropriate oversight. All partners of the Alliance stand for the following principles:

• Free to play: Online social games can always be enjoyed for free. No purchase is ever required to play.
• Responsible social gameplay: All types of online games should be safe, fun and fair. Our partners monitor behavior, train staff, and offer players tools to manage their play responsibly.
• Protecting players, platforms and the community: Best-in-class financial crime prevention, security protocols and data protection measures are a must.
• Age-restricted platforms: We believe casino-themed games are only for adults and require implementation of robust age verification processes to prevent access by minors. 

VGW is committed to working with policymakers and other stakeholders to establish appropriate regulatory structures that safeguard players, and provide benefits to states and communities where it operates. VGW looks forward to working with the SGLA on furthering these initiatives and giving the industry a stronger voice.

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