As part of a new RICO federal class action lawsuit, plaintiffs accuse Apple and Google of facilitating illegal gambling practices. Plaintiffs allege that the tech giants targeted vulnerable customers. They did this through predatory sweepstakes casino games as a means of financial gain.
Julian Bargo, Lamar Prater and Rebecca Pratt, the plaintiffs, claim that both companies used targeted advertising driven by search algorithms to drive users to sweepstakes casinos, whose operations tend to fall into a legal gray area. Moreover, they allege that Apple and Google actively promote this activity through distributing its content through their apps.
In particular, this case re-files two prior federal cases that courts had dismissed without prejudice. Instead of targeting the sweepstakes casino operators themselves, the main difference is this time, the plaintiffs are setting their sights on the companies that they believe put everything into motion.
The suit claims that an unlawful enterprise is distributing patently illegal gambling software. This enterprise includes two of the world’s most successful companies. The company is sending the software to cell phones, desktop computers, and other personal electronic devices. It affects users across New Jersey, New York, and beyond.
The defendants promote, distribute, and facilitate an interstate gambling enterprise. They also materially participate in it using software developed by about a dozen sweepstakes casinos.
Sweepstakes gaming lets users play online slots, table games, and more with free coins. They can also buy these coins with real money. Lawmakers in numerous US states have search for crack down to their operations while play has grown in popularity.
The New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee oversees the country’s largest sports betting market. It is pushing a bill to restrict online sweepstakes gaming, specifically targeting those that simulate casino-style entertainment. This includes poker, slots, and sports betting.
