Bill Would Ban Online Social Games That Provide Safe, Fun, Free-to-Play Entertainment for Millions of Californians
WASHINGTON, DC – Following today’s California Senate Public Safety Committee hearing, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) is urging lawmakers to reject AB831, a rushed and sweeping bill that would ban legitimate online social games and criminalize an entire form of digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of Californians. Online social games are mainstream digital entertainment that have been delivering free-to-play interactive board, card, and casino-style games to millions of Californians for more than a decade.
“The SGLA urges lawmakers to carefully consider whether they want to support legislation built on misleading claims from perceived competitors who themselves fail to meet the standards they claim to champion,” said Executive Director Jeff Duncan. “The testimony claiming our industry lacks age verification is not only false – it’s hypocritical. San Manuel operates an online social casino with no age verification requirements whatsoever. Meanwhile, SGLA partner companies employ multi-layered identity verification systems.”
At the hearing, David Jumper, Chief Marketing Officer of ARB Interactive, explained: “[W]e operate with strong responsible play standards, including age verification, spending limits, identity checks, and self-exclusion tools. Contrary to the claims made by the sponsors of this bill, this is not an unregulated industry, and it’s not operating in the shadows. This is a mainstream entertainment supported by American jobs, American infrastructure, and most importantly, American investment.”
The bill, which was introduced last-minute towards the end of the legislative session, has had no formal study, no economic impact analysis, and no meaningful engagement with the companies it would affect. Its broad liability provisions raise serious red flags for tech platforms, app stores, payment providers, and media companies.
“We heard the bill author admit substantial amendments are needed to prevent unintended consequences but has failed to produce them,” Duncan continued. “Lawmakers are being asked to vote on legislation that even its author acknowledges is incomplete and inadequate. We urge California lawmakers to listen to the thousands of constituents that have contacted their offices and work with the industry to keep this established form of entertainment legal and properly regulated.”
Since early July when SGLA launched an advocacy campaign, Californians have generated more than 20,000 emails, calls and social posts urging their legislators to vote no on the bill. Through SGLA’s “Share Your Story” campaign, players are sharing their stories about what online social games mean to them and why they should not be banned. Some examples from players across California include:
“Like millions of people, I enjoy playing online social games in my spare time. For me, and I believe for many others, it’s a fantastic stress reliever. What makes online gaming truly special is its incredible ability to bring people together from all parts of the world, especially during tournaments and esports events.” – Advocate from Fresno, Calif.
“This has helped me so much, when I’m feeling down I like to go online and play some games it keeps my mind distracted.” – Advocate from Santa Ana, Calif.
“I have played on social gaming for many years and I love it! It would be devastating if they ban it, I am not sure why they are trying to take away people’s source of entertainment. Please cancel the bill trying to change this.” – Advocate from Tracy, Calif.
“I love being able to come home after a long day of work and relax on my couch and play my social games. We should have the freedom to choose to do what we wish with our own money. California needs to stop trying to control people’s lives and worry about other matters that need much more attention then what games someone plays from home. Get it together [C]alifornia!” – Advocate from Red Bluff, Calif.
To learn more about SGLA, please visit our website at www.SGLeadership.org and our social channels at LinkedIn, X, Facebook and BlueSky.
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 online 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.
