Chuck E. Cheese's Sued over Illegal Gambling

The famous all-American pizza chain is being sued for illegal gambling by a mother from San Diego, California who claims the pizza chain is operating illegal gambling.

The lawsuit does not concern any shady backroom activities taking place but rather focuses on something that Chuck E. Cheese's is apparently doing openly in some of their branches.

Denise Keller, a homemaker and mother of two daughters, has brought a class action against the multimillion franchise that has been operating in the US with great success since 1977.

The lawsuit claims that the traditional skill games that Chuck E. Cheese's used to offer the children that always frequent it was replaced by machines that according to the lawsuit resemble a child's version of a slot machine.

Mrs. Keller filed her action with the U.S. District Court in Southern California against CEC Entertainment Inc. that operates Chuck E. Cheese's and has its headquarters in the state of Kansas.

The franchise operates in over 500 locations and refers to its fast-food pizza joints as family entertainment centers where parents can celebrate themed birthday parties for their young kids or simply enjoy a fun-filled meal spiked with endless amusements for the kids.

Therefore it is with great surprise that news of the class action against Chuck E. Cheese's is received as the company defines itself as “a safe, wholesome environment” where “a kid can be a kid.”

It offers many games and activities that win kids tokens that can be redeemed for prizes and Keller's attorney Eric Benink claims that this is the source of the problem; kids playing games that resemble gambling games and win prizes for a successful playing session.

CEC Entertainment Inc. refused to comment on the lawsuit as it never comments on ongoing litigation.