The class actions allege that Big Fish Games is violating two Washington state laws - the Recovery of Money Lost at Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act - because its games constitute online gambling. In fact, Kelly reported that her VIP host tried to cajole her into continuing when she tried to take a break from the app because she was spending too much money on it.
However, unlike their counterparts at traditional casinos, the plaintiffs claim that Big Fish hosts are not required to cut players off when they show symptoms of addiction. The VIP “hosts” keep in contact with these players via phone and email, giving them free chips and access to new games to keep them interested in the app. The plaintiffs argue the Big Fish Games app can be addictive, hooking gambling addicts into spending thousands of dollars through its VIP Program.
