Royal Match Class Action: Mobile Game Accused of Illegal Gambling

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against the creators of the mobile game "Royal Match," alleging the game uses deceptive tactics to lure players into spending money and operates as an illegal gambling game.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who played the mobile game "Royal Match" and made in-app purchases.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

A new lawsuit has been filed against the creators of the popular mobile game "Royal Match," accusing the company of operating an illegal gambling game and engaging in unfair competition. 

The lawsuit claims that Dream Games Teknoloji Anonim Şirketi, a Turkish company that makes and distributes the game available on iOS and Android devices, has violated state and federal laws by profiting from consumers through deceptive practices.

Player Claims Deceptive Tactics Led To $900 In Losses

Janna Schudde, who filed the proposed class action lawsuit, began playing "Royal Match" in 2024 on her Apple iPhone. The game, like many others in the mobile gaming industry, offered a limited number of free lives and coins to get players started. Once these were depleted, Schudde, like many other players, was encouraged to purchase additional coins to continue playing. 

Over time, Schudde alleges she spent over $900 on in-game purchases, believing that the offers were of unique value and available for a limited time. She argues that the game's advertisements and in-app purchase strategies were deceptive, leading her to spend money she otherwise would not have.

According to the lawsuit, Schudde and others were lured into making these purchases through unfair and unlawful practices. The game allegedly manipulates the odds of winning to maximize addiction, leading players to repeatedly spend money to continue playing. 

Schudde asserts that this has resulted in significant unjust enrichment for the game's developers, who have generated over $1 billion in revenue from U.S. consumers alone.

Is "Royal Match" A Game Of Skill Or A Gambling Trap?

"Royal Match" is a "match-3" or "tile-matching" game, where players must align three or more similar objects to complete levels. Winning a level rewards players with virtual coins, which can be used to purchase additional moves or lives. 

However, once a player loses all their lives and coins, they must either wait for a recharge or buy more coins to continue playing. The lawsuit highlights that the coins won during gameplay are identical to those available for purchase, effectively making them a "thing of value." 

This creates a gambling-like environment, where players wager real money for a chance to win virtual coins that allow them to continue playing. The lawsuit argues that this mechanism is akin to gambling, as it involves risking money for a potential reward, which is prohibited by various state laws.

The Dark Side Of "Free-To-Play" Mobile Games

The lawsuit against Dream Games Teknoloji Anonim Şirketi is part of a broader issue in the mobile gaming industry, where "free-to-play" games often rely on in-app purchases to generate revenue. 

While these games are marketed as free, they are designed to encourage spending through psychological triggers similar to those used by casinos, according to research released by the National Institute of Health. This model has proven particularly lucrative for developers, especially when targeting vulnerable populations such as children or individuals prone to gambling addiction.

The industry's reliance on "whales," a term borrowed from the casino world, refers to the small percentage of players who contribute the majority of a game's revenue. These players, often hooked by the addictive nature of the game, can end up spending thousands of dollars on in-game purchases, leading to financial and emotional harm.

Lawsuits Target Gaming Industry Over Predatory Monetization

The lawsuit against Dream Games Teknoloji Anonim Şirketi is not an isolated case. The gaming industry has faced several legal challenges in recent years related to its monetization practices, including some of its major players. 

Google has been sued for allegedly profiting from gift card scams used to make purchases in its app store. Similarly, Epic Games and Roblox have been accused of creating addictive games that exploit children and foster a gambling environment.

In one notable case, Roblox was sued for allegedly allowing children to trade its in-game currency, Robux, like casino chips, encouraging gambling.

In the Royal Match class action lawsuit, Schudde wants to represent consumers nationwide in her class action alleging violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act and other state laws. She is seeking damages, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Schudde v. Dream Games Teknoloji̇ Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
• Case Number: 2:24-CV-01215-RSM
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Omer Salik (Carter Arnett Bennett Perez, PLLC)

Have you played Royal Match or other "free-to-play" games? Did you feel pressured to make in-app purchases? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.