VGW has announced a major step in its North American journey. The company has formed a VGW tribal partnership with the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation in California. The deal is conditional, but it highlights how both sides are preparing for the future of social gaming in the state.

  • The partnership is between VGW and the Kletsel Economic Development Authority, the business arm of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation. The agreement covers free-to-play social games platforms, including sweepstakes promotions, that could be operated in California. VGW said the move reflects its focus on long-term community engagement.

  • VGW noted that it has scaled up its corporate responsibility work in recent years. This includes age verification processes, responsible gaming initiatives, and measures to prevent financial crime. The company has also made engagement with local stakeholders a priority as scrutiny of the sector has grown.

  • The partnership also comes during heightened political debate in California. Lawmakers are considering AB 831, a bill that would criminalise online social games tied to sweepstakes promotions. The industry has argued the bill was rushed through without proper consultation.

  • According to the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, social casino sweepstakes generate more than $1bn annually in combined direct and indirect benefit to California. The group said regulation could unlock even greater value. This research has been used to push back against AB 831.

  • Eric Wright, CEO of KEDA, voiced strong opposition to AB 831 in a letter to state lawmakers. He argued that the bill lacks full tribal support and risks cutting off smaller tribes from new revenue opportunities. Wright said the legislation would deepen economic disparities between tribes.

  • VGW founder and CEO Laurence Escalante welcomed the deal with KEDA. He said VGW has been in North America for more than a decade, with a focus on responsible and safe gaming. Escalante added the company wants to engage constructively with regulators and avoid “rushed, flawed legislation” such as AB 831.

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