Gambling Addiction Lawsuit

What Gambling Addiction Lawsuits Are Based On

Gambling addiction lawsuits argue that companies knew their products could cause addiction and chose deliberate designs that exploit users’ psychological vulnerabilities and create compulsive behavior.

The legal claims fall into three main categories:

• Consumer Protection Violations. Deceptive marketing and failure to disclose true risks of “risk-free” bets and bonus promotions.
• Product Liability. Apps may be defectively designed to be addictive, using behavioral triggers like push notifications and loss-chasing loops.
• Breach of Duty. Lawsuits allege that companies had a responsibility to intervene when data revealed addiction, but chose to focus on profits instead.

Do You Qualify For A Gambling Addiction Lawsuit?

Losing money gambling doesn’t automatically mean you have a legal case. However, you may be eligible to file a claim if:

• You’ve suffered financial losses directly tied to online gambling
• You experienced mental health effects, such as depression or anxiety, linked to gambling
• A gambling platform continued marketing after you asked to stop
• You can show patterns of targeted advertising or nudging messages that encouraged you to continue playing
• You’re a family member of someone whose addiction caused severe financial or emotional harm

Evidence of a platform targeting you strengthens your case. Did the company continue incentivizing you to continue gambling even after you expressed concerns or asked for help? This can show a deliberate disregard for users’ well-being.

Platforms And Parties Under Investigation

One of the companies facing legal scrutiny is DraftKings. Lawsuits allege that the company operated VIP programs targeting known addicts with personal account managers. These account managers would provide luxury gifts and exclusive perks to encourage continued betting.

In April 2025, Baltimore filed a lawsuit against DraftKings and FanDuel, alleging that the platforms encouraged compulsive gambling and targeted vulnerable users through VIP programs and promotional tactics. Other platforms under investigation include Bet365, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet for marketing practices targeting college students and young adults.

Evidence To Gather For Your Claim

Building a strong case requires compelling evidence and a trail of documentation. Request your complete betting history, including all deposits, withdrawals, bets placed, and bonuses received. These records can reveal gambling patterns and indicate gambling addiction.

Save all platform communications:

• Promotional emails and texts, such as marketing offers and incentives to keep betting.
• Push notifications that encouraged you to return and place bets.
• VIP host messages, including personal communications with account managers.
• Customer service records, such as account closure requests or expressed gambling concerns.

Financial documentation is vital to show your losses. Gather bank statements showing deposits and credit card statements. Medical and mental health records can be critical for establishing the connection between using betting platforms and detrimental impacts on your mental health. For example, diagnoses of gambling disorder or depression, and any associated treatment records, all provide crucial evidence.

Legal Landscape And Recent Lawsuit Updates

The legal environment for online gambling addiction claims is still developing, but everything is happening fast. Recently, class actions have been filed against digital casino platforms accused of violating consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs allege that these apps function as illegal gambling operations under state law because they offer monetary rewards disguised as entertainment.

Meanwhile, state legislatures and regulators are reevaluating how to define and enforce responsible gambling. Some states are considering measures requiring intervention systems when players show signs of addiction.

Pennsylvania became a major battleground in 2025. Lawsuits accused DraftKings of misleading “no sweat” promotions and failing to enforce self-exclusion. Several plaintiffs lost thousands chasing losses to meet promotion requirements. One Allentown man, after realizing he had a gambling problem, asked DraftKings to shut his account. Instead, he got back in and lost over $350,000.

But not all claims succeed. In April 2025, the Third Circuit upheld a lawsuit dismissal against BetMGM. A New Jersey man claimed he lost more than $24 million in under a year, alleging that MGM casino staff fueled his gambling by sending over 1,800 messages and frequent reward offers. The Third Circuit Court ruled that New Jersey law does not require casinos to prevent compulsive gambling. These setbacks show just how challenging it can be to hold betting platforms accountable.

Who May Be Liable And Theories Of Accountability

The company that owns the gambling platform may not be the only party responsible. Depending on the facts, several parties could be liable for damages:

• Platform operators. Operators may be maintaining environments designed to keep users playing and spending, even when there are clear signs of an addiction.
• Developers and designers. Designers may include reward systems or difficulty spikes that manipulate player behavior and spending habits.
• Advertisers and affiliates. They may face scrutiny when their campaigns target minors or other vulnerable groups.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers may use multiple legal theories of accountability, including:

• Negligence. Failure to exercise reasonable care in protecting users.
• Product liability. The gambling product was inherently defective or unsafe.
• Unfair or deceptive trade practices. Companies mislead users about risks and “free play” opportunities.

Courts are trying to establish whether companies have a duty to step in when there are clear signs that someone’s addicted, or whether they are free to profit from that person’s loss of control. The outcome of recent lawsuits could redefine how gambling is regulated across the country.

Damages You May Recover and Potential Settlement

If your gambling addiction lawsuit succeeds, you could recover economic and non-economic damages, including but not limited to:

• Money lost through gambling
• Medical expenses for therapy and rehab
• Lost wages or employment opportunities
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages meant to punish reckless corporate behavior.

Settlement amounts will vary and depend on various factors, including the harm you suffered and how clearly a company’s actions can be tied to the addiction. Projections range from $50,000 to $300,000+ based on financial losses, diagnosed conditions, and other factors.

Get The Right Lawyer For Your Gambling Addiction Lawsuit

Gambling addiction lawsuits require specific expertise and experience. Look for attorneys with mass tort or class action experience. They should also understand gambling addiction as a clinical condition and be experienced in working closely with medical experts.

Most cases operate on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees upfront, and the attorney receives a percentage only if you win.

Remember, you’re not alone, with thousands now coming forward. If you believe a gambling platform contributed to your addiction, don’t wait. The deadlines to file a lawsuit vary by state. ConsumerShield connects you with experienced attorneys who handle gambling addiction cases. Get started now and contact us to determine your legal options.