Social gaming operators have released a statement regarding cease-and-desist orders issued by the Illinois Gaming Board, protesting the move and arguing it shows a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the nature of their industry.
Social gaming was grouped with offshore gambling websites in the orders, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance argues, prompting a response from the group, which represents the interests of operators in this space.
In a statement, SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said the inclusion of Social Plus games alongside illegal offshore platforms shows confusion about how social gaming products operate and how they differ from unregulated gambling sites.
“The fact that responsible Social Plus games operators were mentioned alongside illegal offshore gambling websites indicates a fundamental misunderstanding by the Illinois Gaming Board of the nature of our industry and the very real consumer protections SGLA operator partners implement,” Ostrow said.
Illinois hits social gaming websites
The IGB confirmed last week that it has worked with the state Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office to issue more than 60 cease-and-desist orders to platforms that it believes are offering illegal online casino and/or online sweepstakes gaming in the state.
“The letters notify recipients that the IGB has reason to believe they are offering games of chance over the internet that award money or other things of value without the required licensure, in violation of Illinois criminal law,” said IGB in a statement.
The regulator’s website shows 65 C&D letters have been sent to online casinos and sweeps. Illinois law allows licensed riverboat casinos, land-based casinos, sportsbooks and video gaming operators to offer gambling products. Online casino gaming is illegal under state law.
Safeguards cited by social gaming operators
Ostrow said SGLA-affiliated operators apply consumer protection measures intended to limit the games for adult audiences and free-to-play digital entertainment.
“Our operators implement robust age verification, responsible social gaming tools, and comprehensive safeguards on Social Plus games, setting us apart from unregulated, illegal gambling sites,” the Managing Director said.
The alliance said these controls distinguish social gaming platforms from offshore gambling websites that operate without US oversight.
Call for regulatory engagement
Following the issuance of the orders, SGLA said it is open to discussions with state officials to address regulatory concerns and to clarify how social gaming models function.
“SGLA would welcome the opportunity to work constructively with Illinois regulators, Attorney General, and lawmakers to ensure our industry continues to provide legal, safe entertainment for adults while maintaining the highest standards of consumer protection,” Ostrow added.
SGLA represents social gaming operators in the US, including VGW, PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive, and B-Two Operations, representing Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, Global Poker, Pulsz, Pulsz Bingo, Modo Casino, McLuck, HelloMillions, and SpinBlitz.
The group says its members promote responsible digital entertainment practices, including the use of age controls, safeguards, and guidelines governing sweepstakes-style promotions.
It advocates for “appropriate oversight that recognizes the unique entertainment value of social online games, protects players, platforms and the community, and promotes responsible gameplay.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/10/117537-social-gaming-operators-push-back-against-illinois-ceaseanddesist-orders
