New Gaming Association Aims to Set Industry Standards for Social Sweepstakes
In a significant move for the online gaming industry, leading companies have come together to form the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA). This new organization aims to advocate for responsible practices and consumer protections in the rapidly growing field of social and promotional games, also known as social sweepstakes games.
The SPGA’s primary goal is to educate stakeholders about the legality and legitimacy of social sweepstakes games while promoting safe and engaging gaming experiences for American adults. These games, which can be played for free and offer the chance to win prizes, have been gaining popularity among consumers.
Seth Schorr, CEO at FSG Digital Inc., emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
The formation of the SPGA is a critical step toward establishing a clear and cohesive voice for the social sweepstakes industry. We are committed to helping regulators and policymakers understand how our industry’s products work and how they comply with the appropriate state and federal laws.
Seth Schorr
The association has established internal committees focusing on two key areas:
- Player Safeguards: This committee will develop educational resources for adult consumers and expand mechanisms to address consumer complaints. It will also work on implementing best practices for Know Your Customer (KYC), age verification, geolocation, and play and spending controls.
- Regulatory Compliance: This group will develop policy principles to maintain alignment with established regulatory and legal structures. They will also provide comprehensive information to regulators and policymakers about the industry’s operating model and consumer protection measures.
Camilla Wright of Red Knot Communications, speaking on behalf of the SPGA, highlighted the association’s commitment to collaboration and consumer protection.
Our goal is to provide forums for sharing knowledge and best practice mutual support and to create an environment that puts consumers first.
Camilla Wright
To launch its initiatives, the SPGA will host a webinar on October 1st, 2024. This event will bring together industry experts to discuss the future of social and promotional gaming, exploring emerging trends, regulatory landscapes, and best practices for sustainable growth.
As the social and promotional gaming industry continues to evolve, the SPGA’s formation marks a significant step towards self-regulation and consumer protection.
By prioritizing transparency and responsible practices, the association aims to ensure that millions of adult American consumers can continue to enjoy this form of online entertainment with confidence.
For more information about the SPGA and its upcoming webinar, visit thespga.org.
