E-commerce giant Amazon is confronted with legal action from consumers who assert that the company is benefiting from illicit online casino applications. Amazon has urged a federal judge in Seattle to stay the case until the appeals court renders decisions on parallel allegations against other tech titans—Apple, Google, and Meta (an entity deemed extremist and prohibited in Russia).
The lawsuit contends that Amazon hosts free online casino apps, including Slotomania and Double Down Vegas Slots, on its platform. Despite the apps being free, users can make real-money purchases for additional in-game currency with no option for refunds. Steve Horn, the plaintiff from Nevada, claims his addiction to online casinos stems from similar applications present in Amazon's catalog.
Amazon is relying on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which grants immunity to Internet platforms from lawsuits related to third-party content.