I recognize and understand the snark/sarcasm regarding that sort of stock market gambling, but regardless of other details, at least you can cash out any earnings in Robinhood, no?

The apps discussed in the article are more like the video slots/poker/etc. that I've seen in bars around here. Real video gambling machines aren't legal so they make them for "entertainment only". Some (many?) bars let you cash out under the table as a way to keep people playing, but if someone managed to win a lot of "credits", the bar would be under no obligation to pay out since technically they aren't allowed to anyway.