TLDR DraftKings and FanDuel filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit from two Philadelphia men who say the apps caused their gambling addictions. The sportsbooks argue Pennsylvania’s product liability law does not apply to free mobile apps. Plaintiffs Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson claim the companies pushed customers toward addictive “microbetting” features. Thompson placed about $23 million in bets and lost close to $1.9 million; Sage lost more than $170,000. The NFL and Genius Sports also filed motions arguing they should not be part of the case.
DraftKings and FanDuel want a Philadelphia court to throw out a lawsuit accusing them of causing gambling addiction. The two companies filed lengthy court documents last week asking a judge to dismiss the case entirely.
The lawsuit comes from two Philadelphia men, Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson. They filed the case in March, then submitted an amended version last month.
Their complaint targets DraftKings, FanDuel, the NFL, and data provider Genius Sports. All four have now asked the court to dismiss the claims against them.
What the Lawsuit Claims
Sage and Thompson say the sportsbooks built their apps to encourage microbetting. This type of wager lets users bet on small moments within a live game, such as the next play or next score.
The complaint says this fast, repeated betting style is designed to keep users hooked. Thompson placed nearly all of his wagers on NFL microbets and lost almost $1.9 million on about $23 million in total bets.
Sage lost more than $170,000 through the two platforms. Both men argue the apps caused them to develop gambling addictions.
Their attorneys also point to how sports betting worked before online apps existed. For decades, bettors had to travel to Nevada and place wagers in person with cash.
They argue today’s instant