SGLA Hosts Independent Forum After Exclusion from G2E

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) held an alternative forum to the 2025 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) this week, after being excluded from the Las Vegas event. 

Titled the ‘Online Social Games Expo,’ it featured several industry figures who came together to discuss online social games and sweepstakes casino promotions.

The SGLA stated that it had submitted requests to participate in the Global Gaming Expo, which takes place from Oct. 6 to 9, but those requests were declined. Participants in the alternative forum included the SGLA's Executive Director, Jeff Duncan, VGW’s Executive Product Advisor, Derek Brinkman, and the Director at Yellow Social Interactive, Paul Foster. 

“While the name of our discussion was slightly tongue-in-cheek, the substance of it was not,” said Duncan. “We thought it was important to share our industry’s perspective leading into the Global Games Expo. 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 about online social games with sweepstakes promotions.”

The panel discussed the possible economic benefits for states if they opted to regulate rather than prohibit sweepstakes promotions tied to online social casino games. Speakers advocated for laws recognizing the sector as a form of entertainment distinct from gambling.

The forum also highlighted growing tensions between the online sweepstakes gaming sector and more established gaming interests, as debates over legality play out in several states.

Executives urge Newsom to veto AB 831

A coalition of sweepstakes gaming executives is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to veto Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), a measure banning platforms using dual-currency models often associated with online sweepstakes games.

The bill, passed unanimously by both chambers of the California Legislature last month, would make it a misdemeanor to operate or support such platforms knowingly. Penalties for law violations may include a year in jail and fines of up to $25,000. The law would also apply to payment processors and affiliate marketers.

Supporters of the bill, including the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), say it is necessary to close loopholes and protect consumers. TASIN called the legislation a bipartisan success and a step forward for tribal sovereignty.

However, not all tribal entities agree. One group of tribes has sided with the sweepstakes operators, arguing that the bill could restrict opportunities for rural areas that rely on online business to pay for essential services.

Some platforms and suppliers have already left the California market in anticipation of the bill becoming law. Operators like Carnival Citi, High 5 Casino, and Ruby Sweeps have stopped serving California users. Content providers, including Pragmatic Play and Playtech, have also ceased operations in the state. 

Governor Newsom has until Oct. 12 to act on the bill, but if he does nothing, AB 831 will automatically become law and take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.