VGW, the Australian-headquartered operator of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, announced a multi-year partnership with the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria tribe in California.
VGW, KEDA Reach Deal To Provide Social Gaming In California
The deal, signed with the Kletsel Economic Development Authority (KEDA), will involve VGW working with the tribe’s economic team to offer free-to-play casino-style games, including sweepstakes promotions, to Californians.
The sweepstakes casino giant described the agreement as a historic partnership that underlines its long-term commitment to the social gaming industry, community engagement, and responsible gaming.
Laurence Escalante, founder and CEO of VGW, said: “We’ve operated in North America for more than a decade, creating not only great games, user experiences and entertainment but ensuring this is done safely, responsibly, and at the highest level of standards — in line with our core value of ‘we do what’s right’.
“But we acknowledge that as our business and innovative industry has grown, external interest in what we do has increased, including how we support and engage in the communities where we operate. We take corporate social responsibility seriously and are thrilled to have found a tribal partner like KEDA.
“We also welcome KEDA’s opposition to AB 831. As we’ve previously said, our focus is on respectful engagement with legislators and calling for the establishment of modern, appropriate regulatory structures that can benefit players and states alike — not rushed, flawed legislation with unintended consequences being pushed by parties with clear vested interests like AB 831.”
Assembly Bill 831 Would Outlaw Sweepstakes Casinos, Promotions
VGW is among the coalition of several organizations opposing AB 831, including: ACLU California Action, American Transaction Processors Coalition, Association of National Advertisers, Californians United for a Responsible Budget, Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), and Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA).
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, California’s existing law “prohibits specified unfair acts or practices undertaken or committed by any person in the operation of any contest or sweepstakes.”
This includes “using or offering for use any method intended to be used by a person interacting with an electronic video monitor to simulate gambling or play gambling-themed games in a business establishment that directly or indirectly implements the predetermination of sweepstakes cash, cash-equivalent prizes, or other prizes of value.”
AB 831 would specify that “using or offering for use any method, including an internet website or an online application, in the manner described above is prohibited, and would make conforming changes.”
The bill would revise the definition of “gambling-themed game” to include examples, such as “lottery games, bingo, sports wagering, or any game that mimics or simulates similar games, as specified.”
In addition, AB 831 would outlaw sweepstakes promotions offered by companies such as Marriott, Microsoft, and Starbucks.