Google and Apple Sued for Allegedly Aiding Unlicensed Sweepstakes Casinos

Three plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, claiming the tech giants enable illegal online gambling via sweepstakes casino apps.

Google and Apple Targeted in Sweepstakes Casinos Lawsuit

Julian Bargo, Lamar Prater, and Rebecca Pratt have filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google, citing they allegedly facilitate illegal online gambling through sweepstakes casino apps. Filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the plaintiffs argue that both tech giants played a key role in facilitating and benefiting from illegal gambling activities.

The plaintiffs also claim that Apple and Google offer sweepstakes casino developers a suite of marketing tools, data analytics, and user behavior monitoring systems that help optimize engagement and maximize spending. By providing promotional support and visibility in their app marketplaces, the defendants allegedly help sweepstakes apps attract a user base more likely to engage in repeated and substantial in-app spending.

Bargo, Prater, and Pratt also allege that the two defendants gather spending and behavioral data from users of these apps. In turn, this makes it easier for sweepstakes casino operators to identify and target high-value users who generate disproportionate revenue. According to the plaintiffs, this data-driven targeting helps what they describe as predatory monetization strategies that exploit vulnerable consumers. The plaintiffs also say that Apple and Google are fully aware of the alleged illegal nature of the sweepstakes casinos’ operations but have continued to profit from them.

The companies are accused of serving as financial intermediaries for transactions between players and the sweepstakes casinos. The lawsuit argues that this financial involvement represents active and intentional participation in an ongoing operation focused on alleged illegal gambling activities.

According to the plaintiffs, this arrangement acts as a “Sweepstakes Casino Enterprise,” and they claim this operates in violation of both state gambling laws and federal anti-racketeering statutes. The sweepstakes casinos depend on Apple and Google for distribution, advertising, and payment processing. Meanwhile, the tech companies profit from the substantial revenue generated by these apps, according to the plaintiffs.

What Do the Plaintiffs Want?

It should be noted that this is the third effort by plaintiffs Bargo and Prater to hold the parties responsible for the financial losses they claim were caused by their involvement with sweepstakes casino platforms. This time, they are joined by Pratt. It should also be said that in contrast to previous cases that also targeted the sweepstakes operators, this lawsuit is focused exclusively on Apple and Google.

The plaintiffs are seeking to recover, on behalf of a nationwide class, financial losses incurred by players who engaged with any sweepstakes casino app or website available through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. However, it seems that now, the plaintiffs are also pursuing a broader legal challenge. It’s more focused on the role of major tech platforms, such as the ones being sued now, in enabling and profiting from access to what they allege are illegal gambling operations.