The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has appointed Sean J. Ostrow as its Managing Director, with a focus on steering government relations and advocacy for the online social gaming industry.
Ostrow will lead lobbying efforts and public policy initiatives for enterprises involved in social games featuring sweepstakes elements, connecting with lawmakers and regulators to promote what the group defines as responsible innovation and appropriate regulatory measures. He will be accountable to the SGLA’s board of directors and collaborate closely with Executive Director Jeff Duncan, a former congressman.
“Sean possesses a unique blend of extensive policy knowledge and advocacy hands-on experience, essential to our mission,” stated Jeff Duncan. “His ability to build coalitions and navigate intricate legislative landscapes will enable SGLA to enhance its insight into this sector and foster the continued growth of responsible innovation.”
Previously, Ostrow provided strategic advice to clients in entertainment, sports, and gaming sectors while with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he supported the Sports Betting Alliance and collaborated with major entities such as Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the PGA Tour. He also worked as the Government Affairs Manager at FanDuel, aiding in the passage of fantasy sports regulations across various states.
“Online social games featuring sweepstakes are a vibrant, accessible, and innovative form of digital entertainment, yet their narrative has often been misconstrued,” remarked Sean Ostrow. “I feel privileged to join the SGLA in fostering an informed discussion surrounding this dynamic industry and collaborating with policymakers to ensure these games remain safe and responsible for adults.”
The SGLA asserts its commitment to regulatory frameworks that recognize social gaming as an entertainment-first segment within the digital economy. Its members encompass operators, software developers, and payment solutions providers within the social and sweepstakes gaming landscape.
The organization is intensifying its lobbying activities as several U.S. states enact measures against the social casino model. Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831) into law, which bans online sweepstakes gambling across the state. This legislation marks California as the 17th state in the U.S. to pursue legal actions against sweepstakes casinos.
The SGLA opposed this decision, arguing that the ban could potentially deprive California of over $1 billion in yearly economic contributions and lead to a loss of hundreds of millions in tax revenues.