Apple, Google, Meta must face lawsuits over casino-style gambling apps
A federal judge denied requests by Apple, Google, and Meta Platforms to dismiss lawsuits accusing them of promoting illegal gambling. The lawsuits claim the tech giants hosted and took commissions from addictive casino-style apps.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila, based in San Jose, California, rejected the companies' main defense: that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields them from liability over content created by others.
From Reuters:
Quote:
Davila dismissed some claims alleging violations of some U.S. state laws, but denied motions to dismiss all claims brought under consumer protection laws except in California. Google, a unit of Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, had no immediate comment. Apple and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The plaintiffs' lawyers did not immediately respond to similar requests.
Dozens of plaintiffs contended that Apple's App Store, Google's Play Store and Meta's Facebook promoted an "authentic Vegas-style experience of slot machine gambling" through an illegal racketeering conspiracy.
By exploiting users, the defendants allegedly triggered depression, suicidal thoughts and other consequences, while brokering and collecting 30% commissions - estimated at more than $2 billion - on transactions they processed, the plaintiffs added.
Read more here: https://www.reuters.com/sustainabili...ps-2025-09-30/
