Cases Against Apple and Google to Prevent Gambling Adds
Apple and Google may face future federal litigation for reportedly selling free-to-play (F2P) gambling apps for residents of Alabama. In comparison, in Connecticut, a woman filed a lawsuit against Apple over related F2P apps.
While filed in separate states, the cases are similar to those claimed by victims that they have downloaded F2P games such as blackjack, roulette, slots, poker and bingo. While the plaintiffs originally played with pre-loaded free "coins," they supposedly bought "coins" with actual money at some point, so they could continue playing the games.
Lawsuit Filed Against Apple In Connecticut
On 22 October, a lawsuit was brought at the U.S. District Court in Connecticut against Apple. Plaintiff Karen Workman argues that she spent about $3,312.19 in the six months preceding the case falsely using several "gambling apps". The complaint also alleges that the giant Apple is "promoting, facilitating, and generating money" from games that contain gambling-like practices and are available on the app store. The installation of "gambling applications" on the app store is, according to Ms. Workman's legal assertion, a breach of Connecticut's successful gambling laws.
“Apple is not some minor or incidental participant in these illegal gambling games. It is the principal promoter and facilitator of illegal activity,”
the lawsuit by Karen Workman.
Ms. Workman looks at the lawsuit for the protection of class action. That is, it will encourage claimants with related allegations to enter the case as well. In addition, the lady is asking Apple to repay the money she spent by buying in-game currencies to play the "gambling apps" that were supposedly downloaded from the App Store. In addition, Ms. Workman wants to pay lawyers' fees as well as a compensation on behalf of the defendant for her efforts in this situation.
Two Free-to-Play Cases Filed In Alabama
Focusing on Alabama, on October 21, two cases were brought by the same counsel, John E. Norris, at the Northern District Federal Court in the state. Similar to the case in Connecticut, the complainants appear to have invested actual money to continue using "gambling apps" free to play. Currently, Alabama's gaming laws forbid any form of internet gambling. By comparison, the two cases filed highlighted 200 casino-like games that are reportedly available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Maria Valencia-Torres filed the case against Google, over charges to lose $165 when playing a six-month game called Slotmania. She appears to have lost more than $250 over six months while playing Goldfish Casino slots and Jackpot Party, according to Teresa Larsen, the plaintiff in the complaint brought against Apple.
According to the two plaintiffs' complaints, games in the Yellowhammer State which feature playing with real money to expand play time are illegal. Related to the Connecticut case, all Alabama cases request recognition as a class action. In addition, Ms. Valencia-Torres and Ms. Larsen are demanding restitution of the money “paid through the illegal gambling games” and compensation for taking the problems to court.
