Duncan Open to New Regulations
While SGLA ED Jeff Duncan has vouched for the safety and security of the social gaming industry, he has also indicated openness to new regulations.
“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,” Duncan shared in a release.
The ED’s words give hope that a compromise can be reached to save this shrinking industry, but it remains to be seen if a middle ground can be found.
Several States Cracking Down on Social Gaming
The new alliance comes as the social gaming industry is under fire. Several states have begun seeing legislation to ban sweepstakes operators, while others, like Montana, have already done so. The SGLA hopes that new regulations and stronger industry leadership can help ease lawmakers' concerns and stop these crackdowns.
Social gaming also has a powerful opponent in real-money gambling operators. Sportsbooks and casinos have argued that these free-to-play platforms are cutting their revenue, primarily due to a lack of regulations. While players can’t win real money, they can earn rewards and prizes, incentivizing gamblers to switch to sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks.
SGLA Pushes Responsible Gaming
The new Alliance has already made responsible gaming one of its four top priorities. While online sweepstakes platforms are less risky for bettors, problem gambling can still lead to overspending. This focus will help sway the support of some lawmakers, but success could have a far bigger impact.
The SGLA now has a chance to bring legitimacy to the social gaming industry and establish it as a beacon for responsible gaming. That would make it hard for real-money operators and their political allies to attack social gaming, stopping the growing crackdown.
