VGW forms new partnership with California Tribe to gain market access
The social gaming operator has been ‘increasingly engaging’ with California stakeholders after the proposal of AB 831, which looks to prohibit sweepstakes promotions throughout the state.
Key Points
- The conditional agreement also involves KEDA, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria Tribe’s economic development arm
- On August 18, KEDA and SGLA voiced its opposition toward AB 831, which was originally proposed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta
Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) has signed a new agreement with the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria Tribe to operate free-to-play online social games platforms, as well as associated sweepstakes promotions, in California.
The conditional agreement also involves the Kletsel Economic Development Authority (KEDA), the Tribe’s economic development arm.
“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with KEDA and look forward to working together to ensure economic opportunities well into the future. 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,’” VGW Founder and CEO Laurence Escalante said.
“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.”
The social gaming operator also stated it has been ‘increasingly engaging’ with California stakeholders after the proposal of Assembly Bill 831, which looks to prohibit sweepstakes promotions throughout the state.
On August 18, KEDA and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) voiced its opposition toward AB 831, originally proposed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Good to know: The American Gaming Association released new research on sweepstakes casinos in July 2025
“For Tribes like ours, geography has always limited traditional economic development. It is self-serving for large, well-established gaming tribes to advocate for policies that restrict emerging digital commerce opportunities for others, effectively holding smaller and less-advantaged tribes’ hostage to their location,” KEDA CEO Eric Wright said.
“Eliminating lawful, regulated digital opportunities will deepen existing disparities, reduce self-sufficiency and undermine California’s commitment to economic justice for all tribes.”
Escalante showed support for both organizations, having said, “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.”
VGW began the process of phasing out its sweepstakes promotions in the state of New Jersey on July 29, following the Senate passing of bill A5447, which looks to prohibit sweepstakes casino operators from conducting business in the state.
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