AG Brown Sues Two Major Gambling Apps

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing two major digital gaming companies of operating illegal gambling applications that have allegedly taken more than $225 million from Washington residents since September 2020. The lawsuit, filed against Playtika and Aristocrat, alleges the companies violate the state’s Gambling Act and Consumer Protection Act by offering unlicensed online casino-style games to Washington users.

The complaint states that the companies collectively operate 16 casino apps that more than 150,000 Washingtonians use each month. Users allegedly purchase virtual currency with real money to wager on games of chance such as slots, poker, bingo, and scratch-style contests. The lawsuit maintains that the games qualify as illegal gambling under Washington law because players risk something of value for the chance to win additional virtual currency, which cannot be cashed out and must be used to continue gambling within the app.

The lawsuit further alleges that Playtika and Aristocrat intentionally replicate the casino experience on mobile platforms to make gambling continuously accessible. According to the complaint, Playtika markets its products as providing “the Las Vegas experience at the palm of your hand,” while failing to offer players any ability to redeem winnings outside the app. Some individuals have reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of dollars using these products.

According to Brown, the companies have repeatedly violated state law and used deceptive practices to expand their reach and maximize profits. Brown stated that the conduct is especially concerning because it affects vulnerable users, including children.

In addition, Brown alleges that the apps do not require users to enter their age or date of birth. The lawsuit maintains that this omission is a deliberate attempt to broaden access and maximize profits, including by allowing underage users to engage with the apps. The complaint further alleges that the companies have employed deceptive marketing practices and failed to disclose the risks associated with their games.

The complaint highlights Playtika’s Bingo Blitz app as an example. The app features animated characters including a blue cartoon cat named Blitzy and a pink mouse named Moxie. Blitzy’s grandmother provides a photo album that is filled by playing bingo on a virtual map. Bingo Blitz also operates a YouTube channel that allegedly mirrors the style of children’s television programming. According to the complaint, some parents have reported that children have used their phones to access these apps and have spent significant amounts of money.

“These companies repeatedly violated Washington law, engaged in deceptive practices, and fleeced Washingtonians out of hundreds of millions of dollars,” Brown said. “It is especially troubling to see gambling apps targeting children.”

The lawsuit emphasizes that Washington law strictly prohibits internet gambling unless conducted by licensed operators. In 2006, the Legislature amended the Gambling Act to clarify this restriction. In 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that virtual currency in social casino apps constitutes a thing of value under Washington law, bringing such apps within the definition of gambling.

According to the lawsuit, the companies are well aware of these legal requirements. In 2020, Playtika paid $38 million to settle a class action lawsuit over similar allegations. Big Fish Games, now part of Aristocrat, also previously settled litigation involving claims of illegal gambling. The complaint alleges that despite those outcomes, the companies continued to operate the same or similar apps within Washington.

The lawsuit seeks to stop the companies from continuing to offer these games in Washington, recover money allegedly lost by Washington consumers, and enforce penalties under both the Gambling Act and Consumer Protection Act.

The casino apps named in the lawsuit include Slotomania, House of Fun, Caesar’s Casino Slots, Vegas Downtown Slots, World Series of Poker, Poker Heat, Monopoly Poker, Governor of Poker 3, Bingo Blitz, Big Fish Casino, Jackpot Magic Slots, Lightning Link Casino, Cashman Casino, Heart of Vegas, Mighty Fu Casino, and NFL Superbowl Slots Casino.