Apple, Google, Meta must face lawsuits over casino-style gambling apps

A federal judge on Tuesday denied Apple, Google and Meta Platforms’ requests to dismiss lawsuits claiming they promoted illegal gambling by hosting and accepting commissions from casino-style apps that addict users. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California, rejected the companies’ main argument that Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability over third-party content, shielded them from the proposed class actions. 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, 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. The lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory and triple damages, among other remedies. Judge
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