Apple and Google were accused of willingly assisting, promoting and profiting from illegal gambling by permitting sweepstakes casino games on their stores in court filings [on 28 November].

Filed in New Jersey District Court, the lawsuit accuses the tech giants and their payments arms of facilitating illegal gambling operations via four sweepstakes casino operators: High 5 Casino, Wow Vegas, Crowncoins Casino and McLuck.com.

The lawsuit is similar in form to the numerous class actions proceeding through state and federal courts in the US, aiming to recover money spent on the services.

While sweepstakes casino opponents have alleged they are engaged in illegal gambling, their supporters argue the operations are simply social casinos in a new guise.