Three New Orleans residents have filed a class action lawsuit against FanDuel and DraftKings, alleging the companies’ apps encouraged continued betting despite mounting losses. Adrian Payton, Toi Smith and Yolanda Perkins each say they wagered more than $20,000 on one or both platforms; that figure describes their wagers, not their losses. They seek refunds, damages and coverage for mental health treatment tied to what they describe as gambling disorders.
The Louisiana complaint alleges that FanDuel and DraftKings designed and marketed their apps to encourage harmful gambling behavior, according to KLFY. It also names Amelia Belle Casino and Bally’s Baton Rouge, identifying them as the casino licensees whose state licenses anchor the apps’ operation in Louisiana. WGNO reported that the proposed class includes Louisiana residents who opened accounts, deposited money and used the defendants’ mobile sports wagering apps.
Payton, Smith and Perkins are named as individual plaintiffs. The complaint alleges that the companies used customer data to identify and target vulnerable or compulsive gamblers, and argues that the apps’ design made them unreasonably dangerous. Those are claims in the lawsuit, not findings by a court.
Promotions, AI and Interfaces Built to Keep the Bets Coming
The complaint argues that DraftKings and FanDuel use promotions, artificial intelligence and interface design to encourage customers to keep betting as losses accumulate and to attract new users. It alleges that the companies seek to prevent customers from abandoning the apps after losing money. The suit presents that alleged business incentive as a reason the companies designed the apps as they did…