Social gaming not gambling says Washington Federal Court

According to the National Law Review (NLR), a Washington Federal Court has dismissed a class action suit where the plaintiff’s claimed that social casino games constitute gambling under state law.

The court dismissed the class action saying purchasable virtual chips have no value and because the plaintiff’s were not staking or risking something of value, the game did not constitute gambling despite their claim that virtual chips can be sold on in a secondary market and are used to extend gameplay.

“The Court noted that the games are free to play and there is never a possibility of receiving real cash or merchandise, and that extended gameplay cannot result in any gain to the user aside from the amusement that accompanies it,” NLR reports.

The ruling is an important judgement for the social gaming industry and a significant decision for companies using gamblification to monetise their games.

Another case filed in Maryland which focused on a casino-style mini game within an empire building game was also dismissed recently.