Alliance seeks collaboration to ensure Minnesota adults retain access to safe, lawful online social games with sweepstakes promotions.
WASHINGTON, DC – In response to letters and a media release issued by the office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is urging the AG’s office to reconsider its mischaracterization of online social games with sweepstakes promotions, or Social Plus games, which are lawful, free-to-play social games enjoyed by millions of Americans.
Sweepstakes laws in Minnesota are decades old, well-considered and well-established. SGLA partners comply fully with both the letter and spirit of these laws. Social Plus platforms – which the SGLA defines as operators offering online social games and using long-standing sweepstakes promotions as a marketing tool – are designed for safe, responsible entertainment. They are always free-to-play and restricted to players 21+. They are also equipped with best-in-class age verification consumer protections and robust responsible social gameplay tools, including self-exclusion and play limits.
“While the popularity of Social Plus games has attracted some bad actors, SGLA partners maintain strict age verification standards, industry-leading responsible gameplay tools and best-in-class financial crime safeguards,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA and former Congressman.
“The millions of players who have enjoyed Social Plus games for more than a decade deserve a safe, regulated environment, which is why we are working with Minnesota legislators to promote enhanced regulatory standards for the industry and potential revenue opportunities for the state.
“We look forward to continuing this engagement, while also correcting any misinformation and confusion about our industry of Social Plus games.”
SGLA encourages Minnesota officials to recognize the distinction between lawful Social Plus games and illegal gambling operators, and to focus on policies that protect consumers without limiting choice or innovation.
“SGLA stands ready to work with Minnesota officials to bring in new tax revenue and create a higher level of consumer protection to ensure safe participation for the hundreds of thousands of Minnesota adults who play Social Plus games for fun and entertainment,” Duncan added.
To learn more about SGLA, please visit our website at www.SGLeadership.org and our social channels at LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
Contact
Laurie Rossbach
Partner, Seven Letter
202.258.7810
Laurie@SevenLetter.com
About the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance
The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) champions social gaming operators who offer innovative, free-to-play entertainment experiences enjoyed by millions of Americans while promoting responsible digital entertainment. Our partners set the standard for innovation, world class games and the responsible use of digital marketing including sweepstakes promotions. We advocate for appropriate oversight that recognizes the unique entertainment value of Social Plus games, protects players, platforms and the community, and promotes responsible gameplay.
The SGLA’s operator partners are VGW, PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive and B-Two Operations, representing Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, Global Poker, Pulsz, Pulsz Bingo, Modo Casino, McLuck, HelloMillions and SpinBlitz. Other partners include major payments provider Nuvei. The SGLA’s advocacy and standards focus exclusively on online social games. Our advocacy does not extend to operators offering sports products or transacting in cryptocurrency.
