The lawsuit says that Google and Apple helped spread unlawful gaming.
 snapshot of a sweepstakes site
 New Jersey is looking into Google and Apple's legal issues.  A lawsuit says that the two broke the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act.  The case, which was filed on November 27, is about their role in hosting sweepstakes casino apps, which is a booming industry that has caused a lot of criticism because of its unusual business model and unclear rules.

 Julian Bargo, the main complainant, says he lost more than $1,000 playing sweepstakes casinos.  There are five identified defendants, and Apple and Google are two of them.

 People can play for free or spend money on virtual currency at social casinos.  The virtual money can then be used to unlock features in games that are commonly linked to gambling, such blackjack, roulette, and slot machines.  Some social casinos have gone even further by adding sweepstakes features, such giving away real money.

 These platforms are popular because they are easy to use and fun, and they seem to follow the law, though the rules differ from state to state. However, detractors say that they basically turn cellphones into unregulated gambling machines.

 Sweepstakes don't have to follow any rules or get a licence.
 In the US, sweepstakes operators don't have to follow the same rules and get the same licenses as regular casinos.  Because of this, they don't have to pay gaming taxes, even though they mostly sell to American customers.  Also, most of the big sweepstakes casino companies are situated outside of the US.

 Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), which is based in Australia and runs Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is a good example of how well the sector is doing.  It made $4 billion (£3.7 billion/€3.8 billion) in sales in 2023, with $322 million in net income.

 The Washington Post recently pointed out that its financial success has allowed it to sponsor Ferrari's Formula One team and work with famous people like Ryan Seacrest, Michael Phelps, and DJ Khaled to promote its platforms.