New Casino Game Lawsuit Could Change How Games Are Produced

While online casino platforms across the United States can have thousands of titles available, a new lawsuit could potentially impact that as it could set a new precedent for how similar various casino games could be. 

Right now, two high-level game developers are in federal court due to two lawsuits alleging each developer has produced games similar to past games developed by the other studio. 

Depending on the outcome, this could have a massive impact on the development of online casino games. 

This is arguably the biggest casino game-related case since the California bill passed to allow casinos to sue cardrooms. 

Light & Wonder Named in Suit

As of Sept. 27, 2024, there are two lawsuits against Light & Wonder, among other defendants. One suit comes from Aristocrat Technologies, and the other from Evolution Gaming. 

The suits accuse Light & Wonder of copyright and/or patent infringement. Aristocrat also points to Light & Wonder’s game “Dragon Train” as an example of a game they take issue with. 

As for Evolution, they point to Light & Wonder’s “RouletteX” game.

There’s also a unique addition to the suit filed by Evolution. Evolution alleges that it had a business relationship with Light & Wonder to collaborate to develop a game similar to Evolution’s “Lightning Roulette” game in which Evolution would receive royalty payments in exchange for. 

However, Evolution alleges that, after sharing the details, Light & Wonder attempted to terminate the relationship and went on to produce “RouletteX,” which allegedly has many elements of Lightning roulette. 

Light & Wonder has countered, asking for the case to be dismissed, but no rules have been made yet. 

Aristocrat has secured a “preliminary victory,” but the merits of the case are still pending. 

All lawsuits have been filed in Nevada. 

Court Orders Light & Wonder to Pull Games From Casino Floors

The Light & Wonder game Dragon Train has physical slot machines in casinos throughout Nevada. However, the court granted Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction that prevented Light & Wonder from using the game commercially. 

So, Nevada casinos cannot offer the game as long as the injunction is in effect. Light & Wonder hasn’t yet filed an appeal. 

There have been no official rulings, but this preliminary injunction signals the judge believes Aristocrat has a chance of success and believes Dragon Train being available could cause harm to Aristocrat. 

Both cases could end as settlements, too. 

What This Could Mean If It Goes to Trial

As mentioned, a settlement is possible here, but if not, the ramifications of the case will ultimately only technically hold up in Nevada. Still, this would set some level of a legal precedent for how games can be developed, as there would be something to refer to for other companies that potentially pursue legal action. 

We’ll keep tabs on this case as it progresses.