NEW JERSEY – The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA), joined by key partners and allies including VGW, B-Two Operations and the World Poker Tour, submitted testimony this week in opposition to New Jersey bills A5447 and S4282, which threaten to ban legitimate, free-to-play online social games that use well-established sweepstakes promotional frameworks.
“These proposals seek to eliminate a popular form of digital entertainment enjoyed by millions of Americans and based on a model used legally for decades by trusted consumer brands,” said Jeff Duncan SGLA Executive Director and former Congressman. “This is not gambling—it’s marketing. Our partners operate free-to-play games with strong consumer protections and legally compliant promotional sweepstakes structures.”
Those opposing the proposal included the SGLA, VGW, B-Two, and World Poker Tour. In written testimony submitted to the New Jersey Legislature, SGLA emphasized the economic and regulatory opportunity at hand.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the New Jersey legislature on common-sense legislation that creates a robust regulatory framework, prioritizes consumer protection, and offers new revenue for the state,” Duncan said. “But A5447 and S4282 are the wrong approach. These bills are built on flawed definitions and would have broad, unintended consequences—impacting everything from digital games to local retail promotions.”
The bills’ language, including a $20 cap on sweepstakes-linked purchases and a restriction to physical goods only, would block legitimate promotional campaigns used across industries—from restaurants and retailers to online services.
“The current proposal would not only disrupt our industry, but would undermine standard promotional tools used by countless New Jersey businesses,” Duncan noted. “Even the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services has warned about the bill’s vague language and potential constitutional issues.”
SGLA also underscored the robust consumer protections already in place across its member platforms, including strict age verification, anti-money laundering procedures, self-exclusion options, and partnerships with major payment networks that enforce rigorous compliance standards.
“Our partners meet or exceed the expectations set by top-tier financial and technology companies,” said Duncan. “This is a responsible industry committed to compliance, innovation, and consumer choice. We’re not asking to be exempt from regulation—we’re asking for the chance to be part of the conversation.”
The SGLA thanks Senators Amato, O’Scanlon, Steinhardt and Testa for voting against moving these bills forward. We urge New Jersey lawmakers to pause consideration of the bills and work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework that protects consumers without stifling innovation.
“We believe there’s a smarter path forward,” Duncan said. “Let’s create legislation that empowers New Jersey to regulate responsibly, protect its citizens, and tap into the economic opportunity of this growing digital entertainment sector.”
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.
