A New Chapter in a High-Stakes Legal Feud
The patent battle between Evolution and Light & Wonder is back in the spotlight—and this time, it’s more than a rematch. After a federal judge dismissed Evolution’s initial lawsuit earlier this year, the live casino juggernaut has returned with an amended complaint, expanded legal ammunition, and renewed confidence. The target? Light & Wonder’s hybrid live game, 88 Fortunes Blaze Live Roulette, which Evolution claims infringes on its intellectual property tied to its flagship product, Lightning Roulette.
The legal pressure is intensifying in Nevada’s District Court, as Evolution seeks to assert dominance over a hybrid gaming format that blends live dealer roulette with multiplier mechanics driven by computer-generated “lucky numbers.”
The Technology Behind the Dispute
At the heart of the case is a battle over game design innovation. Evolution’s claim hinges on two sets of patents: the original “Haushalter patents,” which cover the real-time integration of live-streamed roulette with random number multipliers, and the newly acquired “Merati patents,” which were added to Evolution’s IP portfolio following its 2024 acquisition of Uplay1.
Evolution argues that Light & Wonder’s 88 Fortunes Blaze—first revealed at G2E 2024 and launched in January 2025—mimics the very features that made Lightning Roulette a breakout hit: studio broadcast, live physical wheel, digital overlays, and boosted payouts via algorithmically-selected multipliers.
This hybrid model is becoming a cornerstone in live casino innovation. The question now is whether it’s distinct enough to be protected—or copied without consequence.
Light & Wonder Faces Mounting Pressure
The lawsuit couldn’t come at a worse time for Light & Wonder. With the company already facing separate legal action from Aristocrat over another product and undergoing strategic shifts—such as exiting its live dealer business—this adds another layer of risk and potential liability.
If Evolution’s suit gains traction, it could not only force Light & Wonder to halt sales of 88 Fortunes Blaze and similar products, but also result in triple damages and lost profits awarded to Evolution. That could be a heavy financial blow, particularly with Light & Wonder reporting over $3.19 billion in revenue in 2024.
A Test for the Strength of Gaming IP
This case will likely set an important precedent in how courts treat patents tied to hybrid gambling experiences. While Evolution’s initial complaint failed to meet the “Alice test” (which bars overly abstract patents), the inclusion of the more technically specific Merati patents could change the outcome.
It’s no longer just about defending a product—it’s about protecting a company’s core innovation strategy. For Evolution, which leads the live casino space globally, the court’s decision may define how far it can push to protect its edge in a fiercely competitive industry.
The Bigger Picture for Gaming Tech
As online and land-based casino operators race to deliver unique, immersive content, the boundaries between creativity and intellectual theft continue to blur. This isn’t just a story about two titans fighting over roulette—it’s a broader warning to all developers: originality matters, and it can be defended in court.
Whether Evolution prevails or not, the live casino world is watching. And so are lawyers from every corner of the gaming industry.
Conclusion:
Evolution’s revived lawsuit marks more than a legal spat—it’s a pivotal moment in the battle over how live gaming innovation is owned and protected. With hybrid formats becoming the future of digital gambling, this case could shape the industry’s legal framework for years to come.
