Trade associations the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) have merged to create a unified advocacy voice for the social gaming industry, as California’s legislature advances Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831), a bill set to ban sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency social games.
An SGPA Spokesperson told SiGMA News, “The SPGA is consolidating its efforts with the SLGA. The category is best served by a clear and consistent voice from one group. We’re proud of what our members have accomplished and look forward to the continued leadership of the SGLA.”
Launched in 2024 with 10 founding members, the SGPA will cease to operate as a separate entity. Instead, its efforts will now fall under the SGLA umbrella, an SPGA spokesperson confirmed to media. This comes amid heightened scrutiny of the social gaming sector and a legislative environment that operators describe as an “existential threat.” By combining forces, the two trade bodies aim to present a “clear and consistent voice” to lawmakers and regulators at both state and federal levels.
A unified advocacy group
The SGLA, established in May 2025 with the backing of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), has already positioned itself as the leading coalition for the social gaming sector. Led by former Congressman Jeff Duncan, its membership includes Publishers Clearing House owner ARB Interactive, PLAYSTUDIOS, and Yellow Social Interactive.
The alliance is founded on four guiding principles, which are: free-to-play gaming options, responsible gameplay, player protection, and age-restricted platforms. SPGA members will now adopt these principles under the SGLA framework.
Opposition to California’s AB 831
The consolidation follows a joint lobbying effort by both associations against AB 831, legislation that would outlaw sweepstakes-style casinos and social games offering dual-currency models with cash-like payouts.
The bill has already passed both chambers of the California Legislature, with the Assembly approving it by a 79–0 vote earlier this week. It now sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, awaiting his decision to either sign or veto the measure before 12 October.
“It is incredibly disappointing that the California Assembly decided to pass AB 831,” Duncan said after the vote. “This bill will worsen economic disparities among California tribes, push the state backwards in terms of digital innovation, and strip $1 billion out of the state’s economy.” Unless vetoed, the bill will automatically become law via a pocket signature.
Industry division over sweepstakes ban
The measure has received strong support from tribes and gaming bodies, including the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), and the Sports Betting Alliance. At the same time, several smaller California tribes have joined the SGLA in opposing the bill, arguing it will harm innovation and revenue streams for non-casino gaming operators.
Final vote today for AB 831 was 36-0. All the whining and sniveling from the Moron Twins – SPGA &SLGA – did absolutely nothing. They could have stayed home and had the same results. Now we’re discussing a second line of attack. This thing far from over. #disgorgement
— Victor Rocha (@VictorRocha1) September 9, 2025
The debate has grown increasingly polarised. Tribal advocate Victor Rocha recently described the SPGA and SGLA as “the moron twins” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring the sharp rhetoric that has accompanied the bill’s progress.
The end of SPGA as a standalone voice
While the SGLA will continue as the main representative for social gaming operators, the SPGA was actually the older of the two trade associations. Since its launch in 2024, it provided advocacy, compliance guidance, and safeguards for member companies, establishing two committees focused on player safety and regulatory oversight.
In a statement to industry media, an SPGA spokesperson said, “The SPGA is consolidating its efforts with the SGLA. The category is best served by a clear and consistent voice from one group. We’re proud of what our members have accomplished and look forward to the continued leadership of the SGLA.”
