As debates around social and sweepstakes-style gaming continue to play out in statehouses, payment infrastructure has become a growing point of attention. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance has now added a payments specialist to its membership, bringing transaction processing into closer alignment with its policy and advocacy work.
Paysafe has joined the alliance as its newest partner, adding nearly three decades of experience in online payments, digital wallets, and cash-based solutions. The company supports transactions across more than 260 payment types and 48 currencies, with a strong footprint in online entertainment and gaming.
“Paysafe is proud to join the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and support its work promoting safe, responsible, and innovative Social Plus games,” said Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe. “As a global payments leader, we are committed to providing secure and reliable solutions that enhance player experiences while protecting the integrity of the gaming ecosystem.”
Payments Join the Center of Social Gaming Policy
The alliance brings together operators and service providers focused on what it defines as Social Plus games, including free-to-play formats, freemium offerings, and dual-currency sweepstakes models. Its stated advocacy work excludes sports betting and cryptocurrency transactions, instead emphasizing consumer protections and oversight suited to social gaming products.
Paysafe becomes the second payments-focused member of the alliance, alongside Nuvei. Operator members include VGW, PlayStudios, Yellow Social Interactive, ARB Interactive, and B-Two Operations. The alliance formed its current structure after the consolidation of the former Social and Promotional Gaming Association, creating a single trade group to represent the sector. Former Congressman Jeff Duncan leads the organization.
SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said Paysafe’s addition reflects the growing role payments play in regulatory discussions.
“Paysafe’s global payments experience strongly aligns with SGLA’s commitment to player protections and industry integrity,” Ostrow said. “The company’s technical capabilities, industry perspective and significant U.S. footprint will meaningfully support our work with policymakers and stakeholders.”
Legislative Engagement Shapes Membership Strategy
Alliance members and leadership frequently engage with lawmakers as states consider legislation affecting sweepstakes and social gaming. Recent activity included testimony in Maine during hearings on proposed restrictions for dual-currency sweepstakes products. The alliance has also participated in policy panels with state legislators, including discussions held at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States Winter Meeting in December.
The group views payments providers as an increasingly relevant part of those discussions, particularly as lawmakers examine transaction flows, consumer safeguards, and compliance expectations for online entertainment products.
Separate Commercial Deal Extends Paysafe’s Reach
Alongside its alliance membership, Paysafe announced a separate partnership with Pay.com in January. Under that agreement, Paysafe became one of the recommended acquirers for card payments processed through Pay.com’s orchestration platform.
The partnership also includes the integration of Paysafe’s Skrill and Neteller digital wallets, along with PaysafeCard, a voucher-based payment option. Pay.com’s platform combines payment orchestration with centralized risk tools to support checkout optimization for merchants.
Merchants operating in sectors such as e-commerce, travel, regulated iGaming, and financial services can access Paysafe’s credit and debit card processing through the platform. Paysafe is already live with multiple Pay.com merchants, and more than 20 additional merchants are expected to be onboarded by the end of 2026.
Source:
"SGLA Welcomes Paysafe as Newest Partner”, sgleadership.org, January 20 2026
