FanDuel Lawsuit for Gambling Addiction

FanDuel gambling addiction lawsuits represent a growing wave of legal action against one of America’s largest sports betting platforms, with plaintiffs alleging the company deliberately designed its app and marketing strategies to exploit vulnerable users.

Since online sportsbooks expanded nationwide following the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA, lawsuits have emerged from multiple jurisdictions claiming sports betting companies prioritized profits over user safety by implementing predatory features that encourage compulsive gambling.

These cases allege that FanDuel violated consumer protection laws by failing to implement adequate safeguards despite collecting extensive user data that revealed clear signs of addiction among its customer base.

Key Allegations Against FanDuel

The lawsuits against FanDuel center on several interconnected claims about how the platform allegedly fosters gambling addiction rather than aid problem gamblers.

Plaintiffs assert that FanDuel employed predatory app design features, deceptive promotional tactics, and failed to implement responsible gaming protocols:

• Predatory app design features include instant betting capabilities that allow users to place wagers within seconds, gamified rewards systems that create psychological dependence similar to casino slot machines, and targeted push notifications timed to reach users during moments of vulnerability
• Misleading promotions such as “risk-free” bets that actually require users to place real-money wagers with losses returned only as non-withdrawable bonus credits, and VIP programs that assign personal hosts to keep problem gamblers betting by contacting them up to 100 times per day to encourage them to continue
• Failure to implement responsible gaming protocols and financial vulnerability checks despite FanDuel’s algorithms detecting clear addiction patterns including “loss chasing” behavior, excessive deposit frequency, and late-night gambling sessions that indicate compulsive use

According to the Baltimore City lawsuit filed in April 2025, FanDuel and its parent company Flutter Entertainment collected massive amounts of user data specifically to identify individuals showing signs of gambling addiction.

Then, they would leverage data and analytics to deliberately target these vulnerable users with personalized promotions designed to increase their losses.

The complaint notes that FanDuel users in Baltimore placed more than $278.5 million in bets on the platform in January 2025 alone.

The Amit Patel case provides a striking example of FanDuel’s alleged practices.

Patel, a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee, claims the company owned by Flutter Entertainment gave him over $1.1 million in gambling credits despite clear signs he was depositing stolen money as frequently as 10 times per day at $25,000 per transaction.

His lawsuit alleges FanDuel assigned him a personal VIP host who contacted him up to 100 times daily, even calling to ask why he hadn’t placed bets yet on days when he’d taken a break from gambling.

If you or a loved one developed gambling addiction after using FanDuel’s platform and experienced financial losses due to predatory app design features or deceptive promotions, 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.

Recent Legal Developments in FanDuel Online Sports Betting Litigation

The legal landscape surrounding FanDuel has evolved rapidly throughout 2025, with multiple jurisdictions in early stages of pursuing claims against the sports betting giant.

Multiple jurisdictions have filed substantial FanDuel class action lawsuit proceedings against the platform:

• Baltimore City lawsuit filed April 2025 in state court (later removed to federal court in May 2025) alleges FanDuel violated Maryland’s Consumer Protection Ordinance by using personalized algorithms and deceptive practices to cultivate gambling addictions among residents, with the city seeking statutory penalties of $1,000 for each violation
• California class actions filed in January 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California allege FanDuel violated state consumer protection laws through deceptive marketing and failure to warn about addiction risks, with pending litigation currently consolidated for pretrial proceedings
• New York class action filed December 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleges FanDuel’s “bonus play” promotions violate consumer protection laws by misleading users about withdrawal restrictions and wagering requirements
• Pennsylvania federal cases filed throughout 2024 focus on FanDuel’s alleged use of “dark pattern” designs that exploit cognitive biases to encourage compulsive gambling behavior

The April 2025 case marked a significant development in litigation against online gambling platforms, with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott supporting the city’s legal action.

These class action lawsuits challenge FanDuel’s marketing tactics and user agreements containing arbitration clauses across multiple states.

Federal court proceedings involve multiple stakeholders including the gaming control commission and oversight bodies.

The Baltimore lawsuit specifically details how this data exploitation targeting most vulnerable residents for profit forms the basis of legal claims.

FanDuel’s platform allegedly employs sophisticated psychological tactics and algorithmic targeting designed to identify vulnerable users and encourage compulsive betting behavior through carefully orchestrated features.

The company operates as one of America’s largest sports betting platforms with millions of active users.

According to court documents filed across multiple jurisdictions, FanDuel’s internal data systems track hundreds of user behaviors to identify individuals showing signs of addiction, then deploy targeted interventions designed to increase engagement rather than promote responsible gambling.

Predatory App Design Features

FanDuel’s mobile application allegedly incorporates numerous design elements specifically engineered to foster addictive behavior patterns similar to those found in casino slot machines.

The platform’s design features allegedly exploit psychological vulnerabilities through:

• Instant gratification mechanics including one-touch betting, auto-populated bet slips, and immediate notification of wins designed to trigger dopamine responses
• Variable reward schedules through randomized promotions, surprise bonuses, and unpredictable payout multipliers that create psychological dependence
• Social proof elements displaying other users’ wins, trending bets, and peer activity to normalize high-frequency gambling
• Loss disguised as wins through partial cashouts, bonus credits, and promotional rewards that mask actual financial losses

The platform offers various forms of sports wagering including traditional sports bets and daily fantasy sports contests.

These platforms where companies collect data generate revenue through various mechanisms including entry fees and user charges.

Wagering platforms offer various betting formats with different prize pools and payout structures.

The platform employs various promotional strategies including offering bonus bets and incentives.

Misleading Promotional Tactics

FanDuel’s marketing strategies allegedly employ deceptive language and misleading terms to create false perceptions of safety while encouraging users to wager larger amounts than they would otherwise risk.

Specific promotional tactics cited in lawsuits include:

• “Risk-free” bet promotions that require users to deposit and wager real money, with losses returned only as restricted bonus credits that expire within seven days
• Welcome bonuses marketed as “free money” but requiring users to wager the bonus amount multiple times before any withdrawal is permitted
• VIP programs that identify high-value users and assign dedicated hosts who maintain daily contact to encourage continued gambling
• Time-limited offers creating artificial urgency through countdown timers and expiring promotions designed to bypass rational decision-making

According to court documents, Maryland bettors wagered substantial sums through the platform.

The state has various forms of legalized gambling including Maryland lottery and sports betting options.

Allegations claim “risk-free” bet promotions mislead when users start betting by creating false safety perceptions while encouraging higher-stakes gambling.

Certain users who suffered gambling addiction and financial harm through FanDuel’s platform may have valid legal claims based on the company’s alleged failure to implement responsible gaming safeguards and use of predatory marketing tactics.

The strongest cases typically involve users who can document systematic targeting by FanDuel’s algorithms, participation in VIP programs with excessive host contact, or substantial financial losses despite exhibiting clear signs of gambling addiction.

Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit

To qualify for a FanDuel gambling addiction lawsuit, potential plaintiffs must demonstrate specific harm directly linked to the platform’s allegedly deceptive practices and predatory design features.

Key factors that strengthen eligibility for legal action include:

• Documented financial losses exceeding $10,000 through FanDuel betting, particularly losses incurred through promoted “risk-free” bets or bonus credit schemes
• Evidence of algorithmic targeting such as receiving increased promotions during documented loss streaks or after attempting to close accounts
• VIP program participation where assigned hosts contacted users daily or offered escalating bonuses despite signs of problem gambling
• Failed self-exclusion attempts where FanDuel continued marketing or allowed account access despite user requests for gambling restrictions
• Mental health documentation showing diagnosed gambling disorder, depression, anxiety, or other conditions linked to FanDuel use
• Timeline correlation between FanDuel account activity and financial problems, relationship issues, or employment difficulties

TruLaw’s instant case evaluation determines applicable deadlines from when users start betting for your situation.

Geographic and Temporal Considerations

The viability of FanDuel lawsuits varies significantly based on state laws, when gambling occurred, and applicable statutes of limitations for consumer protection claims.

Important jurisdictional factors affecting case eligibility:

• State-specific consumer protection laws vary in strength, with states like California, New York, and Massachusetts offering broader protections than others
• Timeline of gambling activity matters as recent users may have stronger claims based on current marketing practices versus historical conduct
• Age at time of gambling particularly for users who began betting between ages 18-25 when addiction vulnerability is highest
• Statute of limitations typically ranges from 2-4 years from injury discovery, though ongoing addiction may extend filing deadlines

TruLaw’s instant case evaluation determines applicable deadlines from when users start betting for your situation.

Real-World Impact: Understanding the Full Scope of Damages

FanDuel gambling addiction lawsuits seek compensation for the extensive harm plaintiffs suffered as a result of the company’s alleged practices.

The Pennsylvania class action describes plaintiffs who lost tens of thousands of dollars while simultaneously experiencing family breakdown, job loss, and severe mental health deterioration – all consequences allegedly stemming from FanDuel’s predatory platform design and marketing.

Plaintiffs seek recovery for these comprehensive categories of harm:

Direct Financial Losses

• All money deposited into FanDuel accounts
• Funds borrowed from family members or through credit cards
• Debt accumulation from loans taken to chase losses
• In extreme cases, stolen money used to fuel gambling addiction

Medical and Mental Health Costs

• Gambling disorder diagnosis and treatment
• Addiction counseling and therapy sessions
• Treatment for co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety
• Ongoing support group participation
• Crisis intervention services

Life and Career Disruption

• Relationship breakdown and divorce proceedings
• Family strain and loss of trust
• Employment termination or reduced earning capacity
• Academic performance decline and educational setbacks
• Loss of professional opportunities and career advancement

Emotional and Psychological Harm

• Severe emotional distress from realizing the extent of damage
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression and hopelessness
• Shame and social isolation

At TruLaw, we help those harmed by predatory online gambling platforms (like Draftkings, Fanduel, BetMGM, and others) that use deceptive and unfair practices designed to foster addiction while targeting society’s most vulnerable members for profit.

Our experienced legal team, led by attorneys like Jessica Paluch-Hoerman with extensive experience in product liability cases, understands the devastating impact gambling addiction has on individuals and families, from financial ruin to relationship destruction and severe mental health consequences.

We partner with litigation leaders and addiction specialists to prove how online gambling platforms with manipulative features caused you harm, connecting victims with specialized attorneys who handle online gambling addiction cases and pursue accountability against platforms that prioritize profits over user welfare.

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 developed gambling addiction after using FanDuel and suffered financial losses, relationship damage, or mental health impacts, 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 a FanDuel 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.