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The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has this week (November 13) testified before a Massachusetts committee on a bill that contains provisions that could see Social Plus games banned in the Commonwealth.
Just the day before, the alliance announced the introduction of ‘Social Plus’ which they say is a new term that defines the category of freemium social games provided by SGLA partners. They describe these as being online social games with sweepstake promotions that “deliver interactive board, card and casino-style games to millions of Americans.”
The online casino-related bill, H.4431, was referred to the committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. At present, nothing has yet been actioned as the committee will accept written testimony until November 20.
In testimony to the committee, Sean Ostrow, the managing director of SGLA, urged them to consider an alternative approach that would “pay dividends to the Commonwealth for years to come by regulating and taxing Social Plus games.”
Committee to create report on Massachusetts bill H.4431 next month
The organization believes that allowing the ‘thriving’ industry to continue will generate new revenue for the Bay State. The SGLA also suggests that voters are opposed to the potential ban.
“A recent nationwide survey by Seven Letter Insight found that 84% of U.S. voters support modernizing laws to regulate and tax online Social Plus games. Only 8% believe the games should be banned, and just 4% say this issue should be a priority compared to concerns like inflation, health care, and housing,” a SGLA article reads.
The committee, which has been hearing both sides of the argument, has until December 17 to formulate a report.
“The SGLA stands behind strong regulation and consumer protection, responsible social gameplay for adults only, fair taxation, and enabling economic development here in the Commonwealth,” said Ostrow. “We look forward to working with members of this committee to achieve these mutually beneficial outcomes.”
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