DoubleDown Interactive casino games $415M class action settlement
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DoubleDown Interactive agreed to pay $415 million to resolve claims its casino mobile games violated Washington’s gambling laws.
The settlement benefits consumers who played DoubleDown Casino, DoubleDown Fort Knox, DoubleDown Classic and/or Ellen’s Road to Riches before Nov. 14, 2022.
DoubleDown Interactive is a mobile gaming developer that specializes in casino games. These games allow consumers who play casino games on their mobile devices.
According to a class action lawsuit, DoubleDown’s games violate Washington’s laws against gambling. In order to play DoubleDown Interactive casino games, users are allegedly required to use in-game “chips.” Although consumers receive a bundle of free chips upon downloading the games, consumers are allegedly forced to purchase additional chips using real money.
“Defendants’ online casino games have thrived and thousands of consumers have spent millions of dollars unwittingly playing Defendants’ unlawful games of chance,” the gambling class action lawsuit contends.
Since the game chips are purchased with real money and are used to wager for more chips, the plaintiffs contend the casino mobile apps represent illegal gambling schemes. These apps allegedly violate Washington’s gambling laws and, therefore, plaintiffs say that they are entitled to recover the illegal profits gained by DoubleDown Interactive.
DoubleDown hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $415 million class action settlement to resolve these claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on the amount they spent on in-game purchases for DoubleDown casino games, the number of claims filed and the net settlement fund after deductions.
Class members who spent higher amounts on in-app purchases will receive larger payments. Coming soon, consumers can check the settlement website for a settlement payment estimate.
Any funds remaining in the settlement after the initial round of checks and electronic payments may be used for a second distribution or donated to the Legal Foundation of Washington.
DoubleDown Interactive has agreed to make changes to its casino applications to include information about video game behavior disorders. The games will also include a voluntary self-exclusion policy.
The game developer has also agreed to gameplay changes that allow consumers to continue playing the apps without having to purchase additional in-game currency.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is Feb. 14, 2023.
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for June 1, 2023.
In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by April 11, 2023.
