Gambling is more accessible than ever, but that instant availability comes with a price. In 2018, Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (584 U.S. 453) overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Washington D.C. and more than 30 states have legalized online betting on sports, launching a $10 billion industry. While these apps are marketed as harmless entertainment, they’ve triggered a surge in online gambling lawsuits.
The truth is simple: gambling apps are designed to benefit multi-billion dollar corporations by exploiting their users. Learn how tech giants use psychology and addictive designs to their advantage.
The Psychology Behind Gambling Apps
Gambling apps take advantage of human psychology. Like other types of addictive behavior, online gambling triggers a rush of pleasure to the brain. The cycle uses a permanent feedback loop of wins and losses.
“The features that make these products exciting and engaging are also the features that make them addictive,” Heather Wardle says. Wardle is a policy researcher and studies gambling at the University of Glasgow.
These three specific elements transform online gambling from entertainment to a dangerous addiction.
Gamification
Personalized push notifications and leaderboards create the illusion of a game, not a habit with real losses.
Open Accessibility
Without a physical location, anyone can gamble at any time. Digital wallets and one-tap payments also make transactions much easier.
Dopamine Rush
Both wins and near-misses trigger dopamine, the brain’s “reward” chemical.
Can You Sue an Online Gambling Company for Losses?
It’s possible to sue an online gambling platform when entertainment becomes predatory. For example, in 2025, DraftKings settled a gambling addiction lawsuit against a New Jersey family. The father allegedly lost almost $1 million of the family’s funds while using the betting giant.
If you’ve experienced any of the following situations, you may have a case.
- You developed a compulsive online gambling addiction while using digital apps
- You are unable to withdraw winnings from the app
- You endured severe financial losses and hardships from online gambling
- You were misled by gambling ads and other promotions
- You felt pressured by staff or “handlers” to continue gambling
When companies fail to protect their users, they should be held responsible. Consumer protection laws only go so far, especially in video game and gambling cases. Book a free case review with one of our online gambling attorneys. We operate under a contingency fee model, so you only pay if we win.
We Hold the Top Online Gambling Platforms Accountable
A gambling disorder does more than drain your bank account. It destroys your livelihood and future.
Don’t wait for the house to win again. Instead, you need to take legal action. An attorney could help you receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. We’ve helped folks like you recover from the following:
- Emotional distress and decreased mental health
- Financial losses
- Strained relationships among friends and family
- Missed employment opportunities
Our nationwide law firm is ready to defend you against top online gambling platforms. By scheduling a free consultation, you take the first step towards financial freedom. Read our guide to learn more about filing an online gambling lawsuit.
