Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has initiated legal action against multiple companies operating unlicensed online casino applications, alleging violations of state gambling and consumer protection laws. The lawsuit seeks to recover more than $225 million taken from Washington residents since September 2020.
The complaint targets prominent gaming suppliers including Playtika and Aristocrat, accusing them of distributing 16 casino-style applications used by over 150,000 Washington residents monthly. The apps mentioned include popular titles such as Caesar’s Casino Slots, World Series of Poker, and Big Fish Casino.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, these applications enable gambling activities through the purchase of virtual currency, operating without required gaming licenses. The lawsuit alleges violations of both the Washington State Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act, claiming the companies failed to implement adequate age verification measures.
The legal action specifically highlights concerns about child targeting, with Playtika accused of using a blue cartoon cat character to appeal to younger audiences. The complaint notes that applications failed to request age or date of birth information from players, potentially allowing minors to access gambling-style content.
Attorney General Brown emphasized the seriousness of the alleged violations, stating that the companies “repeatedly violated Washington law, engaged in deceptive practices, and fleeced Washingtonians out of hundreds of millions of dollars.” He expressed particular concern about gambling applications targeting children.
This enforcement action reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of social casino applications and sweepstakes gaming platforms operating in jurisdictions without proper licensing. Washington joins a growing list of states taking legal action against unlicensed online gambling operators.
The lawsuit seeks monetary recovery for affected residents and injunctive relief to prevent continued operation of these applications within the state. The case represents a significant escalation in state-level enforcement against digital gambling platforms operating outside traditional regulatory frameworks.
