The Tech giant Apple alleged for operating an illegal gambling app and faces another class-action lawsuit. Apple illegally uses a wagering app in its app store, and DoubleU Games developed the app titles.
On April 6, In California, a lawsuit against apple filed by Michael Helsel and Joshua McDonald for operating illegal casinos apps. Specifically, the complaint mentions the option to purchase in-game currency with actual money and free-to-play-game in DoubleU. To draw profit, Apple is pointing to a particular small group of people.
On In-Game Currencies Complaint Focuses
Against Apple, a class-action lawsuit has filed, alleging that the tech giant is getting benefits from the app stores illegal betting app. On April 6, in the Northern District of California’s US District Court, a petition filed against Apple. The alleges to Apple are that DoubleU Games Co. (a Korean gaming firm) develops an app that comprises illicit casino activities and violates state laws.
Apple enables unauthorized gambling and thus charged with behaving as an unlicensed casino. From illegal gambling, Apple actively gets profits, encourages promotions, gives permits, and facilitates all processes. According to the complaint, rather than real money, the game uses in-game currencies to denounce free-to-play betting games.
However, to buy more chips or coins, the player may use actual money. But the problem is these cannot withdraw or transfer and do not have any redeemable value.
Again, the complaint states that the anti-gambling laws violated when more money payment made to get more playing time to increase the chance of winning.
Specific Vulnerable Users Accused by Apple
The plaintiffs Michael Helsel and Joshua McDonald, filed the lawsuit, seeking a way to refrain Apple from participating in more alleged illegal activities and seeking damages and statutory damages.
According to the complaint, most revenue produced by the casino apps, from a specifically targeted small group of players, is made as they are willing to spend a large sum of money. On in-game money, $4.99 paid by McDonald. While on coin transactions at least five different times, Helsel spent $107.99 each time, and other purchase also included it.
In the past, for getting profit and operating the illegal gambling apps Apple has accused, this is no the first time it accused unlawful gambling.