It's because in washington state the gambling definition is for...

It's because in washington state the gambling definition is for 'a thing of value' which is extremely broad. They are claiming that buying chips allows you to play on the app which is a 'thing of value'.

It side steps the traditional gambling definition which is staking money to win money in games of chance, so it doesn't pass the common sense test.

She may have 'lost' money playing the slots freemium games, but in fact she was simply spending money to play slot simulation games.

Why would any gambler play a game that you cant win money from? It's simple, they wouldn't because it's not gambling.

Obviously any of these freemium games charge money to play. Such as buying gems in a game to spend on building items, or expendable soldiers before a battle.

So with social casinos you buy chips and on average they deplete, and then you buy more to contiuing playing the game. Its the same system as all the other non slots freemium games. Buying finite resources to maintain your position in the game and to keep playing.