Man Sues Modo Casino, Says It Exploited His Disability and Gambling Problem

Californian Matthew Joyce has filed a lawsuit against the online sweepstakes casino Modo Casino, run by ARB Interactive, alleging that it engaged in predatory practices that exploited his disability.

Joyce Files Lawsuit Against Modo Casino

Joyce states that from September 2024 to April 2025, he repeatedly gambled on the Modo Casino platform. He alleges that during this period, he experienced nine months of documented psychosis, including a delusional belief that he was meant to absorb the platform’s losses so other players could win.

The plaintiff further states in his complaint that he has bipolar disorder with psychotic features, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and dissociation. He also acknowledges having a gambling disorder, which is recognized as a disability under California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to the complaint, Joyce shared this delusion directly with ARB staff, even demanding that they “crown” him, a request that representatives allegedly treated as a joke. He added that the delusion also showed up in claims about time travel and the ability to defeat the platform’s random number generator.

The complaint also claims that Modo Casino targeted Joyce during his psychotic episodes by placing him in the highest VIP tier and offering gifts, incentives, and promotions designed to encourage compulsive gambling. Joyce further alleges that a Modo Casino VIP host assigned to him effectively reinforced his psychotic state. According to the complaint, the employee adopted Joyce’s self-labeled title “Modo’s Martyr” in communications, even addressing him as “MM” in messages. 

How Much Money Did the Plaintiff Lose at the Casino?

Joyce’s player data shows he spent 5,631 hours on the sweepstakes casino site, which comes to an average of nearly 14 hours per day. In an effort to limit his play, he asked his VIP host to revoke his Black Diamond status so he would receive fewer perks, but the request was repeatedly denied. He ultimately accumulated losses of about $240,000. ARB later issued him a 1099 tax form reporting $61,000 in winnings, which the online casino submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. 

The lawsuit also disputes the casino’s payout practices, noting that Joyce’s return-to-player (RTP) rate was about 47%, far below the advertised range of 84% to 95%.

Joyce’s attorneys are seeking more than $1.6 million in compensatory and statutory damages, alleging that ARB took advantage of his documented disabilities. 

In other news regarding sweepstakes casinos, such as Modo, a new bill is seeking to heavily limit their operations in Washington, D.C., by granting more authority to the Office of Lottery and Gaming.