Plaintiff Steven Horn and defendant Amazon have requested another pause in their ongoing legal battle, signalling continued progress toward a potential settlement.

The latest joint status report in the lawsuit, in which Horn sued the tech giant for allegedly supporting illegal gambling, was filed on 6 October in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington.

The newly filed report outlines that the parties had made “substantial progress” to resolve the case during private mediation sessions held on 13 June and 12 September.

Both sides have agreed, pending court approval, to extend the stay of proceedings until 10 October while they work to finalise discussions.

The filing marks the latest development in a case that accuses Amazon of facilitating illegal gambling through its app store by hosting and profiting from social casino games.

These apps, such as virtual slot and casino-style platforms, allow players to purchase digital chips with real money but do not permit the withdrawal of winnings.

The lawsuit contends that this structure constitutes unlawful gambling under Washington state law, where Amazon is headquartered.

Horn, representing a proposed class of players, claims Amazon not only distributed these casino apps but also processed in-app purchases and took a 30% commission on each transaction.

The complaint asserts that this made the company a direct participant in what plaintiffs describe as “illegal online gambling operations.”

Attorneys from Edelson PC, a firm known for pursuing cases involving digital consumer harms, represent Horn. Amazon is defended by Perkins Coie LLP.

By maintaining the stay, the court allows mediation efforts to proceed without the distraction of pretrial deadlines or motions.

Such agreements often indicate that the sides are working to finalise complex settlement terms, which in class actions can include monetary relief, consumer reimbursements, or policy changes affecting app distribution.

Two years in the making

The Horn v. Amazon case was first filed in November 2023 and is part of a broader wave of litigation targeting tech companies over their roles in distributing social casino apps.

Plaintiffs often argue that tech platforms have enabled gambling companies to bypass state restrictions by presenting casino mechanics under the guise of entertainment.

For Amazon, the impact of this case extends beyond potential financial exposure.

It raises questions about the company’s responsibility in regulating app-based microtransactions and its relationship with developers whose products simulate gambling activity.

Judge Robert S. Lasnik is presiding over the matter. If the settlement discussions fail to reach a resolution by this Friday, the parties are expected to submit another status report detailing their progress.

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