Bingo Blitz is not only engaged in illegal gambling but is also specifically—and “most disturbingly”—targeting children, Washington State alleged.
Bingo Blitz, developed by the Israeli firm Playtika, does not ask players for their age or date of birth, the state’s government said. The $225-million lawsuit filed Feb. 3, 2026, claims that Playtika’s Terms of Service require users to be 21 years old, but the age restriction is not enforced.
Playtika advertises bingo as “a game for everyone.”
Alleged Grooming of Young Users
The game’s social media includes content aimed at young users, Washington’s Attorney General said. Addiction experts say this can introduce underage people to gambling mechanics, raising risks later in life.
“Playtika’s Bingo Blitz app features a blue cartoon cat named Blitzy and his pink mouse pal named Moxie,” the state wrote. “Blitzy also has a grandma cat that gives Blitzy a photo album to fill with pictures of his travels, which he obtains by playing bingo on the Bingo Blitz map.”
Bingo Blitz also has a YouTube channel with “content akin to children’s television,” Washington alleged. “Some users report that their children use their parents’ phones to play casino apps like Bingo Blitz, spending hundreds of dollars in the process.”
What is the Product?
Bingo Blitz is an online game released by Playtika in 2012. It is delivered through channels such as Amazon, Facebook, iOS, Android, and Microsoft Windows. Separately, Google, Apple, and Facebook are fighting legal exposure for facilitating alleged casino transactions.
Bingo Blitz and other similar products are labeled “social” or “freemium” games. NFL Super Bowl Slots is another, but there are many others.
Each Bingo Blitz game replicates the traditional bingo experience. Users compete against each other.
A user plays with a digital bingo card, with each letter of the word “BINGO” over one column. Each bingo card has five columns and five rows.
Each square has a random number from 1 to 75. The app randomly draws a ball and announces it. If a player has the corresponding letter-number combination on their bingo card, they can mark that square.
The goal of the game is to be the first player to complete a specific pattern on a bingo card.
Bingo Blitz Free Credits: A Deceptive Tactic?
The app allows some free play before requiring a purchase for extra credits. Credit packages typically range from about $1 to $100.
Some users spend hundreds daily. Washington reported that some spend six figures in a year on social casino games like Bingo Blitz.
Customer reviews say Bingo Blitz prompts users to make in-app currency purchases quickly.
“They really shove their pay options down your throat through your eye sockets,” claimed user Justin Selk in a Google review.
The Bingo Blitz free credits are allegedly a predatory tactic to get you to download and use the app. The free credits may not last long, and the app encourages users to buy more. For some users, there are no effective safeguards to prevent compulsive use and harmful spending.
You can disable in-app purchases in your device’s settings, but you can reverse it instantly.
Drew Barrymore Endorses Bingo Blitz
The lawsuit suggested that Drew Barrymore’s endorsement of the app was a potentially harmful and deceptive marketing strategy. Barrymore isn’t a party in the lawsuit, which also named “social” games giant Aristocrat.
Barrymore has no publicly disclosed investment or ownership interest in the product. She endorses it in a marketing role.
“I love bingo—it’s fun, it’s social, and it brings people together,” the actress said in 2024 when partnering with the app. “Bingo Blitz takes that joy global, letting you connect with friends from anywhere.”
At the same time, Washington reported that some users incur enormous financial losses on the platform, suggesting possible addiction.
Barrymore herself is in recovery for substance abuse and addiction. Mike Tyson is another celebrity with an addiction history who endorses potentially harmful betting products.
Bottom Line: Bingo Blitz Is Potentially Unsafe
Mobile gaming and gambling apps can be habit-forming and addictive. Bingo Blitz is allegedly no exception.
Authorities in Washington State claim the app is engaged in unlawful gambling and targeting minors.
Parents should understand that children may be exposed to significant financial and emotional risks while using so-called social gaming apps, including unintentional spending and possible development of unhealthy habits.
Apps like Bingo Blitz avoid calling themselves gambling, but users can become addicted to casino-style play involving in-app purchases.
Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you or your family need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bingo be an addiction?
Yes, bingo can be an addiction. You can be addicted to bingo whether you are playing through an app, a website, or in person at a brick-and-mortar casino or hall.
Is Bingo Blitz gambling?
The app simulates gambling, and users can spend real money on the platform. The platform says it’s not “real-money” gambling because you can’t use a real-world currency to gamble. However, Washington State says this is an illegal loophole and claims the product offers illegal gambling.
Can you earn money from Bingo Blitz?
No, you can’t earn or win any money playing the product. You can only spend money to bet with the in-app currency, which has no real-world value. To put it differently: You can’t cash out or withdraw any funds from Bingo Blitz.
Are there slots in Bingo Blitz?
Yes, despite being marketed as a bingo app, the product also features slot games. Slots can also be addictive and cause financial harm.
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