An estimated 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. The rapid expansion of legal online sports betting has increased access to gambling. Online gambling addiction lawsuits against DraftKings and FanDuel claim these companies designed their apps to manipulate audiences. Younger users are especially vulnerable.
These lawsuits hold companies accountable when they mask profits as entertainment.
What an Online Gambling Addiction Lawsuit Actually Argues
These cases are more complex than placing bad bets. They’re about what the companies knew. How did they design their apps? Who did they target?
The legal theory behind most online gambling addiction lawsuits focuses on predatory design and deceptive practices. Lawsuits allege that companies like DraftKings and FanDuel built their platforms to maximize user engagement and spending. The legal claims typically fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Negligence, or the platform failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to users
- Deceptive promotion and other trade practices, including false or misleading product information
- Product liability, or the app is a defective product, designed in a way that causes harm
Documentation separates a strong case from a weak one. Evidence must include records of addiction, financial harm, and the platform’s conduct. Book a free consultation with our online gambling addiction law firm to learn if you have a case.
Understanding DraftKings Lawsuits, FanDuel Lawsuits, and the Broader Legal Landscape
DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the largest online sports betting platforms in the United States. Both companies have faced growing legal scrutiny over their marketing practices and product design. Lawsuits filed against these companies allege a variety of misconduct.
Online gambling platform cases are a part of a broader wave of litigation. They mimic earlier mass tort actions against tobacco companies and opioid manufacturers. However, the legal landscape is still developing.
Some law firms file cases as individual lawsuits. Others become mass torts. Read our blog about online gambling lawsuits and how tech giants are being held accountable for more information.
Determining If You’re Eligible for a Gambling Addiction Lawsuit
Not every person who has lost money gambling has a viable legal claim. What the law looks for is a pattern of harm that connects the platform’s conduct to the user’s addiction and losses.
You may have grounds for an online gambling addiction lawsuit if:
- You developed a gambling addiction after using a platform like DraftKings or FanDuel
- You experienced significant financial losses, including depleted savings or massive debt, as a result of gambling activity
- You received targeted promotions, personalized offers, or loss-chasing incentives from the platform while struggling with addiction
- The platform continued to allow or encourage your gambling despite signs of problem behavior
The strength of a claim depends heavily on documentation. This includes records of account activity and financial records showing losses. Medical or psychological records related to a gambling disorder also strengthen a case.
Are you unsure about whether your situation qualifies for legal action? A case review is the most direct way to learn more. There is no cost to speak with our team.
How Online Gambling Addiction Cases Work
Don’t navigate the legal process of filing an online gambling addiction lawsuit alone. You need a skilled personal injury attorney with experience in consumer protection laws. Here’s what the process generally looks like when you work with an attorney.
Step 1: Case Evaluation
An attorney reviews the facts of your situation. They consider which platforms you used, how long you were active, and what financial losses you experienced. This evaluation determines whether a claim is viable and which legal theories apply.
Step 2: Evidence Collection
Your attorney collects and keeps evidence that supports your claim. This includes your account history from the platform, financial records like credit card payments, and any company communications. Medical or psychological documentation of your addiction is also important.
Step 3: Demand and Filing
The next phase depends on your attorney’s legal strategy. They may send a demand to the platform’s legal team or file a lawsuit. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we generally pursue mass torts.
Step 4: Settlement or Trial
These cases may resolve through negotiation, settlement, or trial. Mass tort cases need multiple plaintiffs against the same defendant.
The timeline for online gambling addiction lawsuits varies. It depends on how the litigation develops at the national level. What doesn’t change, though, is that you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Common Questions About Filing an Online Gambling Addiction Lawsuit
What is an online gambling addiction lawsuit?
An online gambling addiction lawsuit is a legal claim filed against an online sports betting app or casino platform. A claim alleges that the company’s design, marketing, or business practices caused or influenced a user’s gambling addiction. That addiction caused financial and psychological harm.
Can I sue DraftKings or FanDuel for gambling addiction?
Potentially, yes. Lawsuits against DraftKings and FanDuel allege predatory design, deceptive marketing, and failure to protect at-risk users. A case review with an attorney is the best way to assess your options.
What evidence do I need for an online gambling addiction lawsuit?
Key evidence includes your account history and activity records from the platform. Examples include financial records showing losses and company communications, especially promotional offers. Medical or psychological documentation of a gambling disorder diagnosis is also essential.
How much does it cost to hire a gambling addiction lawyer?
Most gambling addiction lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. You only pay attorney fees if your case results in a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What if I live outside of Alabama? Can I still file an online gambling addiction lawsuit?
Yes. Online gambling addiction lawsuits are not limited to Alabama residents. The platforms operate nationwide, and you can file a claim regardless of where you live. Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys handles these cases for clients across the country.
Trust Our Online Gambling Addiction Lawyers in Birmingham and Nationwide
These companies have spent years and billions of dollars to perfect the tools that keep users hooked. If you’ve suffered major losses because of apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, or Caesars Sportsbook, we can help you build a case. We could also help you if you or your child is suffering from video game addiction.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent more than 20 years going up against well-funded corporations. We’ve recovered more than $2 billion for folks like you nationwide. If you or a family member has been hurt by online gambling addiction, don’t wait.
Schedule a free case review today.
