The plaintiff sued, claiming he lost over $1,000 on sweepstakes casino platforms like High 5 Casino and WowVegas, which he alleged operated as illegal gambling sites under the guise of social casinos
Julian Bargo has withdrawn a lawsuit that targeted sweepstakes casinos and big tech firms Apple and Google. Bargo filed the legal action in November 2024. It accused the companies of having an impact on illegal gambling by allowing sweepstakes casino apps to run on their platforms.
Bargo Drops Lawsuit Against Sweepstakes Casinos, but Legal Battle May Continue
The case saw little progress for almost five months. Then, Bargo filed a notice to dismiss without prejudice in the New Jersey District Court. He made this choice just before the defendants were due to submit motions to dismiss the lawsuit. Because the case was dismissed without prejudice, Bargo can still refile the claim later.
Bargo sued stating he lost over $1,000 on several sweepstakes casino platforms, like High 5 Casino and WowVegas. He said these platforms ran as illegal gambling sites pretending to be social casinos.
The lawsuit also said Apple and Google had a part in this by listing these apps in their stores and allowing in-app payments through their services. So, the lawsuit named the tech companies under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. People often use this Act to prosecute groups accused of taking part in fraudulent or illegal schemes.
Even though Bargo’s lawsuit did not lead to a court decision, it sheds light on the ongoing argument about whether sweepstakes casinos are legal and how digital platforms play a role in their operations.
Lawmakers Push for Stricter Rules as Sweepstakes Casino Debate Heats Up
Despite this specific lawsuit being dropped, sweepstakes casinos are facing more legal scrutiny and potential bans in various jurisdictions. Lawmakers in states like New Jersey, Mississippi, and Maryland want tougher rules or complete bans on sweepstakes casinos. They worry about illegal gambling, weak customer safeguards, and possible harm to at-risk players, including minors.
Critics say these platforms work in a murky legal area, dodging taxes and permit fees that normal casinos must pay. This has led officials to take firm steps.
Those who back the bans say sweepstakes casinos use gaps in the law to offer casino-type games without checks making it tough to enforce safe gambling practices. On the flip side, industry supporters claim these platforms give real fun and should be regulated instead of being shut down.
Though Bargo has decided to drop his lawsuit, for now, the wider legal fight over sweepstakes casinos and their ties to major tech companies is not finished. It is not clear if he or other plaintiffs will bring similar cases later, but the debate around these platforms will go on.
