Evolution Expands Patent Lawsuit Against Light & Wonder

In a significant development within the gaming industry, Evolution has escalated its legal confrontation with Light & Wonder. The dispute centers on allegations that Light & Wonder’s “88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette” infringes upon Evolution’s patented technologies. Understanding the intricacies of this case is crucial for stakeholders in the gaming sector, as it may set precedents for future intellectual property disputes. Delve into the details of the lawsuit to comprehend its potential impact on the live casino gaming landscape.

Evolution Intensifies Legal Battle Over Live Roulette Innovation

3 Key Points

• Expanded Legal Claims: Evolution seeks to include additional patents and parties in its lawsuit against Light & Wonder.​
• Alleged Patent Infringement: The contention revolves around similarities between “88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette” and Evolution’s “Lightning Roulette.”​
• Industry Implications: The outcome could influence future game development and patent enforcement strategies in the gaming industry.

Evolution’s Legal Maneuver

On April 10, 2025, Evolution filed a motion in a Nevada federal court to amend its existing lawsuit against Light & Wonder. The amendment aims to incorporate two additional patents and a new party, following Evolution’s acquisition of Uplay1 in July 2024. This acquisition granted Evolution ownership of the “Merati patents,” which cover systems and methods for hybrid gaming servers.​

The lawsuit alleges that Light & Wonder’s “88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette,” introduced at the October 2024 G2E Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, infringes upon both the original “Haushalter patents” and the newly acquired “Merati patents.” Evolution contends that the game mimics the mechanics of its own “Lightning Roulette,” combining a physical roulette wheel with electronically generated “lucky numbers” that offer increased payout multipliers.

Previous Legal Proceedings

This legal action follows a prior lawsuit filed by Evolution, which was dismissed in February 2025. The court ruled that the patents in question were too abstract to warrant protection. However, the judge allowed Evolution the opportunity to amend its complaint, expressing skepticism about the viability of such amendments.​

Despite the dismissal, Evolution remains steadfast in its pursuit of legal recourse, now bolstered by the inclusion of additional patents and parties in its amended complaint.

Industry Context

The gaming industry has witnessed a surge in hybrid games that blend traditional elements with digital enhancements. Evolution’s “Lightning Roulette” set a precedent by integrating live casino experiences with random multipliers, a concept that has since been emulated by competitors.​

Light & Wonder’s “88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette” represents one such iteration, prompting Evolution’s allegations of patent infringement. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for game developers and the enforcement of intellectual property rights within the industry.

Evolution’s intensified legal action against Light & Wonder underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. As hybrid games continue to gain popularity, the delineation of patent protections becomes increasingly critical. The resolution of this case may set a significant precedent, influencing future innovations and legal strategies in the realm of live casino gaming.