An Asian gaming machine supplier has claimed Evolution’s Lightning series infringed its patented dynamic odds game mechanic.
An Asian gaming machine supplier has claimed Evolution’s Lightning series infringed its patented dynamic odds game mechanic.
Taiwanese gaming equipment maker Jumbo Technology has filed a patent infringement suit against the live casino giant, alleging its popular Lightning-branded games use Jumbo’s patented “dynamic raised odds” feature.
In a complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware on 29 May, Jumbo accused Evolution of wilfully infringing US Patent No. 9,646,459, a patent granted in 2017 for a system that randomly generates enhanced odds in games such as roulette, baccarat and dice.
Jumbo’s attorneys wrote: “The result of the innovation claimed in the ‘459 Patent is that players are more engaged, play longer, and derive more enjoyment from a system that converts the standard, static game structure to an exciting, dynamic, and less predictable game.
“In the online gambling context, the addition of a dynamic raised odds calculation element has transformed games from the traditional model that seeks to imitate physical gaming to a system that adds excitement and unpredictability to the outcome.”
According to Jumbo, the feature is designed to increase player engagement by offering intermittent boosted payouts, while maintaining profitability for operators.
Jumbo says it controls patent for game mechanic
The Taiwanese firm, which has been a supplier in the Asian gaming market since 2000, claims its patented system underpins several of the live casino giant’s most prominent games.
These include Lightning Roulette, Red Door Roulette, Lightning Baccarat and Lightning Dice, all of which feature randomised multipliers that elevate the payout potential on selected bets.
Jumbo says it first alerted Evolution to the potential infringement in June 2024, offering to license the patent for a reasonable royalty.
After an exchange of correspondence, the claim states, Evolution declined to enter into licensing negotiations and continued to deploy the games across multiple US markets including Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Michigan.
The complaint describes the infringement as “wilful, deliberate, and intentional”, arguing that Evolution had actual knowledge of the patent and still refused to alter or license its games.
As a result, Jumbo is seeking damages, enhanced compensation for wilful infringement, and attorneys’ fees.
Among the examples cited in the complaint are payout enhancements in roulette, where a standard 35:1 payout might be boosted to 42:1 under the patented system.
Similar enhancements are detailed in baccarat and sic bo, with varying multipliers tied to specific bet outcomes and probability-weighted to ensure the house edge is preserved.
Jumbo also alleges indirect infringement, accusing Evolution of inducing third parties, including licensed US casinos and game operators, to offer the games to players.
The company claims Evolution marketed Lightning games at trade shows such as G2E Las Vegas to promote their adoption in the US market.
The lawsuit marks the latest patent battle the company is engaged in in the US, following its ongoing legal dispute with Light & Wonder.
Evolution has not yet responded to the complaint in the court docket. NEXT.io has reached out for comment.