SPGA introduces Code of Conduct with focus on responsible operations

The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) has released its Code of Conduct which is intended to create a standardized ruleset for its operator members, Casino Guru News learned in an email press release.

New Code of Conduct for SPGA seeks to strengthen sector

As an organization, the SPGA focuses on providing stakeholder education and advocating for responsible operation of social games that use the sweepstakes model.

The Code of Conduct and the SPGA itself arrive at a time when the sector is increasingly under attack from mainstream gambling companies and lawmakers who have raised the issue with the sweepstake model, arguing that it could be tantamount to gambling without a license.

The social casino model has seen Americans spend more than $40bn over the past decade, and the SPGA insists that there is no need for people to spend any money to participate.

Regardless, the SPGA seeks to demonstrate definitive efforts in making the vertical safer for everyone involved, hence the implementation of the Code of Conduct. Among the commitments that operator members will now uphold are:

• Age verification to limit real money play to users 18 and older
• Proper identity verification (Know Your Customer or KYC)
• Location verification of customers
• AML policies to ensure proper transaction monitoring

The SPGA’s aim is clear – to ensure that it upholds a robust standard that protects consumers who enjoy these games in the millions. Camilla Wright, Red Knot Communications representative and a spokesperson for the SPGA, has sought to promote this message:

"The pillars of the SPGA Code of Conduct highlight the technology and processes already in place at most social sweeps operators to ensure that the millions of adults who enjoy these games do so in a safe and reliable environment."

SPGA wants operators to uphold compliance and guarantee free-to-play experience

The SPGA is not stopping here, however, as the organization will seek to introduce more information about the Code of Conduct and how it can strengthen the robustness of the sector.

"We look forward to continuing to develop the Code of Conduct to further strengthen the commitment of SPGA members to compliance and player protection while providing consumers with a highly social and engaging experience that is always free to play," Wright said.

The SPGA has also mounted a comprehensive public awareness campaign in which the organization argued that the sweepstakes sector is a legitimate part of the gaming landscape, and has been so for decades.

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