SPGA to Combine with SGLA as California Sweepstakes Ban Nears
The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) is closing as an independent organization and merging operations under the umbrella of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), per an exclusive from Gambling Insider.
This move comes amid California lawmakers' resolution to pass Bill AB 831 to ban sweepstakes casinos.
Both groups have been against the proposal, claiming a ban would be damaging to tribal communities and deprive California's economy of up to $1 billion. An SPGA spokesperson said the consolidation provides a stronger, unified front, adding that the industry "is best served by a clear and consistent voice from one group."
The SGLA was established in early 2025 by operator VGW, which has recently scaled back sweepstakes operations in New Jersey and Canada. By contrast, the SPGA was the older of the two, founded in 2024 to provide advocacy, support, and regulatory guidance for companies in the sector. Despite its seniority, the SGLA has recently taken a more visible role in lobbying efforts.
The legislative climate has intensified for sweepstakes operators. In addition to Bill 831's progress in California, enforcement actions have been launched against Stake's sweepstakes platform and several of its suppliers.
Meanwhile, outspoken bill supporters like Victor Rocha have openly criticized both associations. The SPGA's decision to fold into the SGLA signals limited confidence that the governor will veto the bill now on his desk.
Awaiting Governor's approval
California is close to enacting a prohibition on online sweepstakes casinos after Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) passed both the Assembly and Senate. Introduced by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, the bill would bar casino-style sweepstakes sites from operating within the state.
On Sept. 12, the Assembly showed its unanimous support of the bill with a vote of 63-0 shortly after it passed the Senate with a vote of 36-0. It is now with Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to sign or veto it. If he does not act within that period, the bill will automatically take effect.
During its legislative journey, the measure was revised to exclude social sweepstakes products, limiting the ban to casino-style formats. This adjustment helped the bill move through three Senate committees without opposition before reaching final approval. The Assembly’s concurrence reaffirmed the unanimous support across both chambers.
The SGLA, along with tribes that have little or no involvement in casino gaming, opposed the measure, including the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, which also voiced concerns during committee hearings.
In contrast, the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, representing 13 tribes, endorsed the legislation, contending that unregulated sweepstakes pose risks to tribal casino enterprises.
If AB 831 becomes law, California would become the fourth major jurisdiction to introduce such restrictions, following similar prohibitions already in place in Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
