About Us - SGLA

Leading the Way in Responsible Social Gameplay

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) unites industry leaders to promote safe, innovative and engaging free-to-play experiences while advocating for responsible standards in digital entertainment.

Who we are

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) was established by market leader VGW to unite interactive entertainment leaders, service providers and players to advance free, safe and engaging online social games.

What We Stand For

Free to play

Online social games operators must provide free-to-play experiences where players can always participate without payment. SGLA operators must also provide options for sweepstakes participation, including instantly available online entries (such as through daily rewards), and an ”on-request” option that is easily available and clearly disclosed.

Responsible social gameplay

SGLA operators implement proactive responsible social gameplay measures to ensure games are a safe, fun, and fair form of entertainment. Operators should provide free and accessible resources about responsible social gameplay. Players must have access to readily available tools to aid in regulating their play, such as time and purchase limits, options to take a break, set account self-exclusion, and request permanent exclusion and account closure. Operators should also proactively monitor platforms to identify problematic behaviors and train staff to recognize signs of distress or unhealthy behavior, with defined escalation procedures and protocols.

Protecting players, platforms and the community

Digital environments can be targets for financial crime, which is why we believe online social games operators must implement robust security protocols and data protection standards that meet or exceed industry requirements. Operators should maintain industry-leading ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) processes and governance frameworks, and anti-money laundering policies and procedures.

Age-restricted platforms

SGLA partners believe casino-themed social games and promotions should be only for adults. Operators should have robust customer age, identity and geolocation technology requirements and processes to prevent access to games and platforms by minors.

SGLA initiatives include:

Encouraging technological advancement in player protection and security.
Engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders to develop frameworks that reflect social gaming's role as a safe and growing component of the interactive entertainment industry.
Preserving the core free-to-play model where the majority of players enjoy games without making purchases.

Leadership

Jeff Duncan, SGLA Executive Director

In 2010, Jeff was elected to represent South Carolina’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held with distinction until 2024. His tenure was marked by significant contributions across several domains, including energy, homeland security and others. Jeff was an integral part of the Republican Whip Team, a member of the Leadership Council under Majority Leader Steve Scalise and contributed significantly to the Republican Study Committee’s Steering Committee and Executive Board. Prior to serving in Congress, Jeff was a member of the South Carolina General Assembly from 2002 to 2010. Before venturing into the political arena, Jeff began his career as a community banker and later founded his own real estate marketing firm. Separate to his role at the SGLA, Jeff is also a Managing Director at Covenant Government Affairs.