Ex-FanDuel Executive Sean Ostrow Named Managing Director at SGLA

Sean Ostrow, formerly of FanDuel, is now the Managing Director of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). After years of working to regulate and legalize fantasy sports and iGaming as a FanDuel executive, Ostrow takes on a more challenging role with far bigger implications for the broader iGaming industry. 

As SGLA’s Managing Director, Ostrow is tasked to oversee the organization’s advocacy efforts. He’s expected to manage the group’s public policy work and spearhead its lobbying efforts. Ostrow directly reports to the SGLA board of directors and will work with Executive Director Jeff Duncan.

Ostrow Is Expected To Lead SGLA’s Mission to Bring Sweepstakes Casino to a Broader Audience

Sean Ostrow, formerly Manager of Government Affairs of FanDuel, is expected to lead public policy and lobbying efforts to prop up the sweepstakes casino industry and push for responsible gaming innovation. He brings a decade of experience to the position, particularly in digital entertainment policy. He was an advisor to sports, entertainment, and iGaming clients, including the NBA and Major League Baseball (MLB).

At FanDuel, Ostrow helped in securing the approval of fantasy sports in multiple states, balancing operators’ requirements for growth and consumer protection. And in his new role at SGLA, he’s hoping to boost iGaming and sweepstakes casinos’ standing as a legitimate and legal source of entertainment.

In a statement, SGLA’s Jeff Duncan highlighted Ostrow’s policy experience and on-the-ground advocacy experience. Duncan shared that Ostrow’s “track record of building coalitions and navigating complex legislative environments will help the SGLA strengthen its understanding of this industry”. He added that it will also promote responsible innovation.

Ostrow Vows to Forge Stronger Bonds Between Industry and Legislators

In a LinkedIn post, Ostrow emphasized his stand on social gaming, calling it “largely misunderstood”. He further argued that “online social games that utilize sweepstakes promotions as a marketing tool are an innovative and legally sound approach that emphasizes casual entertainment”, while retaining the same set of protections for players.

Ostrow then highlighted the growing role of SGLA and the need for “clearly codified regulation” that allows players to play safely and responsibly.

He’s expected to strengthen SGLA’s engagement with regulators and policymakers, promote a fairer understanding of sweepstakes casinos, and push for modern regulatory frameworks.

Furthermore, Ostrow is expected to help address misconceptions about social gaming and ensure that industry development promotes the welfare of all stakeholders.

REFERENCES:

• LinkedIn, Sean Ostrow
• About SGLA
• SGLA Statement on Ostrow’s Appointment