Apple, Google Casino App Lawsuits Fast-Tracked to Ninth Circuit

Whether Apple, Google, and Facebook can be held liable in litigation alleging the platforms host unlawful “social casino” games, like slot machines, warrants an immediate look by the Ninth Circuit, a federal district court in California said.

The games allow users to purchase virtual “chips” to play for the chance to win more playing time, which consumers say is addicting and illegal under various state laws.

Consumers sought to hold the platforms liable under three theories, one of which survived defense arguments that the proposed class actions are barred by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

The …