BetMGM Lawsuit for Gambling Addiction

The rise of mobile sports betting platforms has transformed gambling from an occasional casino visit into a constant presence in daily life.

The plaintiff in numerous cases claims BetMGM, as one of the industry’s major players, has faced allegations that its business model prioritizes profit over player welfare by employing sophisticated tactics designed to encourage compulsive gambling behavior.

These lawsuits claim that the platform used manipulative app design, aggressive marketing strategies, and personalized VIP host programs to target vulnerable users who showed clear signs of addiction.

TruLaw partners with gambling addiction litigation leaders to help affected individuals seek compensation for the harm they’ve experienced while using online betting platforms like BetMGM.

What Is BetMGM and How Does It Operate?

BetMGM stands as one of America’s largest online sports betting and casino platforms, jointly owned by MGM Resorts International and Entain.

The platform currently operates in 24 states (plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico), pursuant to state licensing, offering sports betting services with additional online casino gaming available in select markets.

BetMGM holds a 14% market share in gross gaming revenue across its active markets including significant presence in the Michigan market (where the Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees compliance) with particularly strong performance in online casino games at 22% market share.

The platform provides users with 24/7 access to sports betting through mobile applications using procedures that create constant gambling availability that traditional brick-and-mortar casinos cannot match.

This follows the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and allowed individual states to legalize sports betting within their borders.

The subsequent rapid expansion of legal sports betting has been accompanied by a corresponding surge in gambling-related problems, with calls to problem gambling helplines doubling or even tripling in some states.

BetMGM’s business model combines proprietary technology from Entain with MGM Resorts’ extensive land-based casino network through contract arrangements, creating an integrated gambling ecosystem.

BetMGM reported substantial growth through March 2025 and beyond, with first-half net revenue up 35% year-over-year and strong player engagement metrics showing a 38% increase in average monthly active users.

However, this explosive growth has raised questions about whether adequate regulations and safeguards exist to protect vulnerable users from developing serious gambling problems.

Core Allegations in BetMGM Addiction Lawsuits

BetMGM as defendant in lawsuits against online sports betting platforms faces allegations of a pattern of exploiting users with gambling addictions through deliberate design choices and targeted marketing strategies.

These legal claims assert that companies identified individuals exhibiting clear signs of problematic gambling behavior, but instead of implementing protective measures (after noting these patterns), they assigned VIP hosts to encourage continued betting through bonuses, promotional credits, and personalized communications.

The allegations include claims that BetMGM failed to intervene when users showed unmistakable warning signs of gambling addiction, such as:

• Making massive deposits;
• Betting continuously throughout the day and night; and
• Experiencing substantial financial losses.

Lawsuits contend that the platform’s sophisticated behavioral tracking systems could identify at-risk users but used this information to deepen their engagement rather than offer help or implement protective limits, constituting a breach of responsible operator standards.

A major legal development occurred in April 2025 when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit dismissed the case of Antar v. BetMGM following a motion by the defendant.

Sam Antar (who claimed BetMGM exploited his gambling addiction resulting in over $24 million in wagers) argued that VIP hosts knowingly encouraged his compulsive gambling despite awareness of his problem and refused to implement limits.

The split decision circuit court concluded that:

• BetMGM had no “duty of care” under New Jersey law to prevent compulsive gamblers from betting; and
• Determining how much of Antar’s losses resulted from the casino’s actions versus his own gambling addiction presented an improbable balance between causation and individual responsibility – creating “almost metaphysical problems of proximate causation.”

While this ruling represents a setback for gambling addiction claims following proceedings consistent with appellate standards (though the split decision reflected dissent regarding the duty-of-care interpretation), ongoing reconsideration of similar claims in alternative jurisdictions does not preclude all future litigation.

As further proceedings develop in various jurisdictions through oral arguments and cases remanded for reconsideration, attorneys continue to review claims based on:

• Different legal theories;
• Varying state laws; and
• Evolving evidence about the extent to which online platforms deliberately exploit addictive behaviors.

The legal landscape surrounding gambling addiction liability remains in development, with courts and legislators grappling with how traditional duty-of-care principles apply to technology-enabled gambling.

If you or a loved one developed a gambling addiction while using BetMGM and suffered substantial financial losses, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Online Gambling Addiction Lawsuit today.

Online sports betting platforms have been accused of employing sophisticated psychological techniques specifically designed to foster compulsive gambling behavior rather than merely providing entertainment.

These tactics allegedly transform casual betting into an all-consuming addiction by exploiting known vulnerabilities in human psychology and decision-making.

TruLaw gives immediate answers about claim eligibility based on individual experiences with these practices, connecting affected users with attorneys who understand how online platforms may have contributed to gambling problems.

VIP Host Programs and Targeted Incentives

VIP host programs represent one of the most controversial aspects of online gambling platforms’ operations.

These programs assign personal representatives to high-spending users, creating a relationship that (in the professional opinion of addiction specialists) goes beyond standard customer service.

VIP hosts monitor user activity, track betting patterns, and provide customized incentives designed to increase continued gambling and user retention without any formal disciplinary action preventing such targeting.

According to allegations in various lawsuits, VIP hosts at online betting platforms contacted users multiple times daily (including on days when they weren’t actively gambling) – creating persistent pressure to return to betting.

These communications often included offers of bonus credits, deposit matches, free bets, and other incentives timed to coincide with sporting events or when users appeared to be pulling back from the platform.

The personal nature of these relationships on the BetMGM site allegedly made it more difficult for users to establish boundaries or take breaks from gambling, shifting reliance from luck-based outcomes to platform-driven engagement.

Cases have alleged that VIP hosts ignored obvious signs of gambling addiction while BetMGM allowed continued targeting of vulnerable users, prioritizing platform revenue and user retention over individual wellbeing.

Communications revealed in litigation have shown two violations of ethical conduct:

1. VIP hosts notified of user financial distress, yet encouraging users to continue betting; and
2. Some users explicitly mentioning they could no longer afford their gambling activities, yet still receiving incentives to continue playing.

These practices raise questions about whether online platforms have ethical obligations to intervene when users display clear signs of compulsive gambling behavior, even if current law does not explicitly require such intervention.

Deceptive Promotions and Online Game Design Features

Online sports betting platforms employ promotional strategies that critics argue are intentionally misleading about the true cost and risk of gambling.

“Risk-free” bet promotions serve as a primary example, offering what appears to be consequence-free wagering.

However, these promotions typically provide bonus credits rather than cash refunds when bets lose, and intricate terms require users to continue gambling to access any winnings – effectively trapping them in an ongoing cycle of betting.

The platforms use sophisticated behavioral tracking that monitors every aspect of user activity, from betting patterns and favorite sports to times of day when users are most active.

This data powers personalized notification systems that identify unusual activity patterns and send targeted alerts designed to trigger immediate betting impulses.

These notifications create urgency through limited-time offers, game reminders, and alerts about favorable betting opportunities – exploiting psychological tendencies toward fear of missing out and impulsive decision-making.

App design incorporates multiple gamified elements that mirror techniques used in mobile gaming and social media to boost engagement.

Features include streak trackers that encourage daily betting, achievement systems that reward frequent activity, and in-game prompts that present constant opportunities for additional wagers.

Micro-betting and in-game betting options (in gambler’s parlance called “live action”), allow users to place bets throughout sporting events – reducing the time available for thoughtful decision-making and increasing the frequency of impulsive, high-risk wagers.

These design choices allegedly prioritize maximizing user engagement and betting volume over promoting healthy gambling behaviors or implementing meaningful safeguards for vulnerable users.

Gambling disorder represents a recognized mental health condition that activates the brain’s reward system in ways similar to substance abuse, creating powerful cravings and loss of control while progressively restricting personal freedom and financial autonomy.

Online platforms can accelerate addiction development due to constant accessibility, with the ability to gamble anytime and anywhere removing traditional barriers that once limited problematic behavior.

Recognizing the warning signs helps individuals identify when recreational betting has crossed into addiction territory, making it possible to seek help and potentially pursue legal remedies.

Financial and Behavioral Red Flags

The most visible indicators of gambling addiction involve financial distress and loss of control over betting behavior:

• Spending substantially more money and time gambling than originally intended (from their first wager through subsequent sessions), with an inability to set or maintain betting limits despite repeated attempts to do so
• Experiencing severe financial consequences such as depleted savings accounts, maxed-out credit cards, personal loans taken specifically for gambling, missed bill payments, or borrowing money from family members and friends under false pretenses
• Lying about gambling activities to loved ones, including hiding bank statements, deleting betting apps before others can see them, being secretive about whereabouts and spending, or creating elaborate stories to explain financial losses
• “Chasing losses” by continuing to bet in attempts to win back money already lost, often leading to even deeper financial problems and escalating bet sizes
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when attempting to cut down or stop gambling, experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms that make it difficult to maintain periods of abstinence

Financial problems from gambling affect up to 23 million Americans who find themselves in debt, whether from sports betting, roulette, or casino games, with the average loss leading to debt calculated at approximately $55,000.

Young adults face particular vulnerability, with research showing that individuals aged 18-24 are three times more likely to experience gambling problems than older adults.

The constant accessibility of mobile betting platforms removes traditional cooling-off periods that once occurred between casino visits, allowing problems to escalate rapidly.

If you’re experiencing warning signs of gambling addiction after using BetMGM and have accumulated substantial losses, you may have legal options available.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page for a free, confidential case evaluation to understand whether you qualify to file an Online Gambling Addiction Lawsuit today.

Emotional and Relationship Impacts

The emotional and relationship toll extends far beyond financial devastation:

• Psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety disorders, and using gambling as an unhealthy coping mechanism to escape from problems or distressing emotions rather than addressing them directly
• Relationship deterioration characterized by broken trust with family and friends, social isolation as gambling consumes increasing amounts of time and emotional energy, and conflicts over money and time spent on betting activities
• Academic or career consequences including declining performance at work or school, missed days due to gambling or recovering from gambling sessions, and lost opportunities due to financial problems or preoccupation with betting

The mental health impacts of gambling addiction can be severe and life-threatening.

Problem gambling carries the highest suicide risk of any addictive disorder, with roughly one in two problem gamblers experiencing suicidal thoughts and approximately one in five attempting suicide.

These statistics underscore the serious nature of gambling addiction as a public health crisis requiring both treatment intervention and potential legal accountability for platforms that may have exploited vulnerable individuals.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates a 24/7 helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) that provides free, confidential support and referrals to local treatment resources.

While recent court decisions like the Antar v. BetMGM dismissal have created legal obstacles, attorneys continue reviewing claims from individuals who suffered harm through online sports betting platforms.

The legal theories and evidence supporting these claims continue to evolve as more information emerges about how platforms identify and target vulnerable users.

TruLaw provides instant case evaluations to determine eligibility based on each person’s unique circumstances and the specific evidence available to support their claims.

Eligibility Criteria for BetMGM Claims

You may qualify for legal action if you experienced the following:

• Used BetMGM’s platform and developed compulsive gambling behavior or addiction that can be documented through betting patterns, medical diagnoses, or treatment records
• Suffered measurable financial losses, with attorneys typically reviewing claims involving $10,000 or more in gambling-related debt or losses, though this threshold may vary based on individual circumstances and available evidence
• Can demonstrate that BetMGM employed specific tactics that exploited addiction, such as receiving continued marketing and promotional incentives even after attempting self-exclusion, requesting gambling limits, or explicitly communicating problems with gambling
• Young adults between ages 18 and 30 may have particularly strong claims given evidence that platforms specifically targeted this demographic with marketing and promotional strategies designed to appeal to younger users

Evidence of assignment to a VIP host program despite showing clear signs of problematic gambling can strengthen claims considerably.

Communications from VIP hosts encouraging continued betting, offers of bonuses or credits to keep playing, or contact on days when you weren’t gambling may support allegations that the platform prioritized revenue over user welfare.

State law variations mean that eligibility criteria and potential legal theories may differ based on where gambling occurred, with interpretations varying based on relevant Michigan gaming laws and Michigan Supreme Court precedent to Third Circuit analysis.

Some jurisdictions may offer stronger consumer protection laws or different standards for duty of care than the New Jersey law applied in the Antar case.

Timing also matters significantly, as gambling addiction cases may be subject to statutes of limitations that vary by state and claim type, whether filed in Michigan court systems or other jurisdictions.

Documenting Your BetMGM Gambling Losses

Gathering comprehensive documentation strengthens potential legal claims, with BetMGM account statements showing betting history, deposits, withdrawals, bonuses received, and overall financial activity proving particularly valuable:

• Account statements showing betting history, deposits, withdrawals, bonuses received, and overall financial activity on the BetMGM platform
• Correspondence with VIP hosts or customer service representatives, particularly communications that occurred after you expressed concerns about gambling or requested limits
• Financial records including bank statements showing deposits to BetMGM, credit card bills reflecting gambling charges, loan applications or approvals sought to fund gambling, and evidence of unpaid bills or financial distress
• Any records of attempts to self-exclude from gambling, set betting limits, or seek help for gambling problems that were ignored or circumvented by continued marketing
• Medical records documenting diagnosis of gambling disorder, treatment for gambling addiction, or mental health conditions related to gambling

Screenshot evidence of notifications, promotional offers, and app features can help demonstrate how the platform’s design and marketing strategies may have encouraged compulsive gambling behavior.

Many users delete betting apps during periods of attempted abstinence, but historical records can often be recovered through account statements or subpoenas during legal proceedings.

If you have documentation of gambling losses and interactions with BetMGM that demonstrate predatory practices, you may be eligible for compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to speak with a team that understands what evidence strengthens gambling addiction claims and can help you pursue a Gambling Addiction Lawsuit today.

Knowing your legal options represents the first step toward both personal recovery and holding gambling platforms accountable for practices that may have exploited your vulnerability.

While no legal outcome can erase the harm caused by gambling addiction, pursuing compensation can help address financial devastation and fund treatment for ongoing recovery.

TruLaw’s streamlined process makes it easy to determine whether you qualify for potential legal action and connects you with attorneys who have experience handling gambling addiction claims.

TruLaw’s Free Case Evaluation Process

TruLaw offers an accessible, confidential way to understand whether your gambling experience with BetMGM may qualify for legal action.

The case evaluation process asks targeted questions about your gambling history, the losses you sustained, and the specific experiences you had with BetMGM’s platform and representatives.

This information helps determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria and have evidence that could support a legal claim.

The instant evaluation provides immediate feedback about whether your situation warrants further investigation by experienced attorneys.

Unlike traditional legal consultations that may take days or weeks to schedule, TruLaw’s digital-first approach delivers answers quickly, allowing you to make informed decisions about next steps without delay.

The evaluation carries no obligation to pursue legal action and remains completely confidential.

When cases show potential merit, TruLaw partners with leading attorneys who specialize in gambling addiction litigation and grasp the challenging legal landscape following recent court decisions.

These attorneys have experience developing legal strategies that address the obstacles created by cases like Antar v. BetMGM while pursuing theories of liability that may apply in different jurisdictions or under alternative legal frameworks.

This partnership model ensures that individuals receive representation from lawyers with specific expertise in this emerging area of law.

What to Expect in the Legal Process

Knowing the litigation timeline and potential outcomes helps set realistic expectations:

Time considerations matter greatly in gambling addiction cases.

Acting promptly preserves legal rights and prevents vital evidence from being lost or destroyed.

The legal process typically begins with investigation and evidence gathering, where attorneys collect betting records, financial documentation, platform communications, and other materials that support claims.

This may involve requesting records from BetMGM through legal channels, gathering medical evidence of gambling disorder from providers who fully cooperate with litigation discovery, and documenting the timeline of how addiction developed while using the platform.

Discovery processes in litigation can reveal internal company communications, policies regarding problem gamblers, and data about how the platform identified and targeted vulnerable users.

Potential compensation in gambling addiction cases (whether resolved through patron dispute procedures or formal litigation) may include, but are not limited to:

• Reimbursement of documented financial losses from gambling;
• Damages for emotional distress and mental health impacts, including treatment costs for addiction and co-occurring conditions;
• Lost income if gambling problems affected employment; and
• Potentially punitive damages if evidence shows particularly egregious conduct.

Legal outcomes cannot be guaranteed given the evolving nature of this litigation area, and each case’s value depends heavily on specific facts, available evidence, and applicable state laws.

Most gambling addiction claims resolve through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial, though the willingness of betting platforms to settle has varied considerably.

The existence of the Antar dismissal may affect settlement discussions, though cases with strong evidence of predatory targeting, cases brought under different state laws, or cases involving different legal theories may have different trajectories.

Experienced attorneys can assess the strengths and weaknesses of individual claims and provide guidance about realistic expectations for outcomes.

If you suffered financial devastation and emotional harm from gambling addiction while using BetMGM, you deserve to explore your legal options.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn whether you qualify to file an Online Gambling Addiction Lawsuit today.

Our Online Gambling Addiction attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing an Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit.

With extensive experience in product liability cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and addiction specialists to prove how online gambling platforms with manipulative features caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for financial losses, mental health treatment expenses, addiction therapy costs, and other damages resulting from your online gambling addiction injuries.

We understand the financial and psychological toll that Online Gambling Addiction has on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Online Gambling Addiction Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Online Gambling Addiction attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring an Online Gambling Addiction lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis – with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced gambling addiction, financial devastation, depression, anxiety, or other harm from online gambling platforms designed with addictive features, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit today.

Online gambling addiction lawsuits are being filed by individuals and families across the country who suffered financial ruin and mental health problems from gambling platforms designed with deliberately addictive mechanisms and insufficient safeguards.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The Online Gambling Addiction lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling product liability cases similar to the Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered gambling addiction, severe financial losses, or mental health problems from online gambling platforms, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Online Gambling Addiction lawsuit today.