From the Desk of SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow
On behalf of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), I’m pleased to unveil “Social Plus,” a new term to refer to the category of freemium games provided by SGLA partners, the online social game operators who share a passion for responsible innovation, player protections and integrity in our growing sub-industry.
Let’s face it, “online social games with sweepstakes promotions” is a mouthful. “Social Plus” gives us a bite-sized term that can positively describe online social games with sweepstakes promotions in an understandable and easy-to-share way. Social games and entertainment are the core of what we do. But the “Plus” is more than just the opportunity to win prizes, it’s the higher standard of consumer protection and player safety that SGLA partners hold themselves to.
“Social Plus” appropriately shines a spotlight on our focus – social games – but it also highlights the fact that all SGLA partners’ platforms are limited to adults 21+, and have robust consumer protections and responsible social gameplay features in place to keep players safe while they enjoy Social Plus games.
Unsurprisingly, these facts are avoided by those in adjacent industries who prefer to spread misinformation and outright falsehoods to further their own interests. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t set the record straight and tread our own path.
SGLA partners have always put consumer protections first, and we remain committed to advocating for state regulatory and taxation frameworks that will benefit players, communities and the industry.
The SGLA is in ongoing talks with industry stakeholders about supporting our mission, and will welcome new partners willing to commit to the SGLA’s values. Partners must agree to high standards set by the SGLA, including limiting participation to adults 21 and over and employing strict age and identity verification processes, industry-leading responsible social gameplay tools and best-in-class data and financial security safeguards.
Current partners include the organizations that launched the SGLA: VGW, PlayStudios, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive, B-Two Operations and Nuvei.
The millions of players across America who have enjoyed online social games with sweepstakes for more than a decade deserve a safe, regulated environment. “Social Plus” is synonymous with our commitment to exciting products and strong consumer protections to ensure that adults can safely and responsibly enjoy SGLA partners’ games.
