In a battle with dangerous implications for the gaming industry, Big Fish Games has elected to settle a lawsuit with two former players in Washington State. The companies current and owners, Aristocrat and Churchill Downs, agreed to a $155 million agreement to settle the class-action lawsuits. The plaintiffs, Cheryl Kater and Manasa Thimmegowda, each spent thousands of dollars on play chips for BFG’s “free-to-play” social casino games. Both are residents of Washington and allege that BFG’s products constitute illegal gambling under state law. Kater and Thimmegowda argued that BFG enticed VIP players with free spins and proceeds to encourage addictive…

This week we’re tackling a story about a Washington State lawsuit over free play casino games, alleging Big Fish games illegal gambling activity. One ‘interesting’ player has alleged that Big Fish games use “illegal gambling tactics” in their free play games, and that selling chips constitutes gambling. Washington state has a long history of being aggressive towards our industry, even when there is no money being wagered! And this suit against Big Fish games could have interesting implications for our industry. Also, word has come that Sheldon Adelson is in failing health. Be sure to check out this week’s sponsor,…

Casual games developer Big Fish Games is to undergo a major restructuring programme that will lead to nearly 140 people losing their jobs at the company’s bases in the US and Europe. According to the Seattle Times newspaper, 49 people will be laid off at the firm’s Seattle headquarters in the US state of Washington, while the company will also close its European headquarters in Ireland – confirming the loss of 89 jobs. Paul Thelen, founder and chief executive, sent a letter to employees on Thursday morning stating that the company would also replace its president and close a studio…