Paysafe has joined the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) as the sweepstakes and social gaming group’s newest member.
The global payments platform, which provides solutions to gaming operators such as bet365, PokerStars, Jackpocket and Betfair, is the second payments provider among the SGLA’s membership, after Canadian firm Nuvei.
The SGLA’s membership now comprises:
- Chumba Casino and Luckyland owner VGW
- Social gaming operator PlayStudios
- Pulsz parent Yellow Social Interactive
- Modo Casino and Publishers Clearing House owner ARB Interactive
- McLuck and Hello Millions owner B-Two Operations
- Nuvei
- Paysafe
A united voice for social gaming
The SGLA’s mission statement is to unite stakeholders including operators and service providers to chart a path forward for what it terms Social Plus games, including free and ‘freemium’ games and dual-currency sweepstakes offerings. The group notes in its boilerplate text that its advocacy does not extend to sports products or cryptocurrency transactions.
While there were previously two trade associations for the social gaming industry, the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) ceased to exist last year and was consolidated into the SGLA to create one unified and consistent voice. The SGLA is led by former Congressman Jeff Duncan.
The group said that Paysafe’s new membership and its experience in payment processing, digital wallets and online cash solutions will strengthen its ability to advocate for regulatory frameworks, highlight the value of Social Plus games and support what it says are millions of Americans who play Social Plus games.
“Paysafe is proud to join the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and support its work promoting safe, responsible and innovative Social Plus games,” said Paysafe President of Global Gaming Zak Cutler. “As a global payments leader, we are committed to providing secure and reliable solutions that enhance player experiences while protecting the integrity of the gaming ecosystem.”
Paysafe can help with advocacy, says SGLA
SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said that Paysafe’s experience and global reach strongly aligns with the association’s commitment to integrity and player protection.
Representatives from the alliance and members such as VGW and ARB Interactive frequently testify in state legislative hearings on bills impacting sweeps and other online gaming, most recently in Maine last week as that state considers banning dual-currency sweeps. SGLA Executive Director Duncan and ARB Interactive General Counsel Bryan Schroeder spoke about the group’s work on a panel with state legislators at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Winter Meeting in December.
The SGLA believes Paysafe can help with this advocacy.
“The company’s technical capabilities, industry perspective and significant U.S. footprint will meaningfully support our work with policymakers and stakeholders,” Ostrow added.
