This included misappropriation of Aristocrat’s trade secrets in connection with Light & Wonder’s ‘Dragon Train’ game.

While Aristocrat has stated that it was “extremely pleased” with the court’s decision, Light & Wonder has noted that it disagrees with the ruling and will “promptly file an appeal”.

Originally filed back in March, the case between Aristocrat and Light & Wonder has been ongoing for the past couple of months. It stems from claims of copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, deceptive trade practices, trade dress infringement and unfair competition.

Aristocrat claims that its ‘Dragon Link’ series has been copied by Light & Wonder with its ‘Dragon Train’ title through the hiring of the supplier’s former executives and game designers.

Aristocrat ‘extremely pleased’ with court’s decision

According to a statement from Aristocrat, the Nevada court’s Judge Gloria M Navarro granted Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction on its trade secret claims against Light & Wonder related to its ‘Dragon Train’ slot series. 

The court also enjoined Light & Wonder from “any continued or planned sale, leasing, or other commercialisation of Dragon Train”. 

The court’s decision found that Aristocrat is “extremely likely to succeed in demonstrating L&W misappropriated Aristocrat’s trade secrets in [L&W’s] development of Dragon Train”. 

In addition, the court stated that Light & Wonder “was able to develop Dragon Train without investing the equivalent time and money” by misappropriating trade secrets relating to Aristocrat’s Dragon Link and Lightning Link games.

Granting the preliminary injunction, the court noted “the public interest in protecting trade secrets and preventing competitors from receiving an unfair advantage.” 

Commenting on the court’s decision, Matthew Primmer, Chief Product Officer of Aristocrat, said: “We are extremely pleased with the court’s decision. This ruling underscores the value of our intellectual property and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of our business. 

“We will continue to innovate and invest in cutting-edge solutions, knowing that the law protects our creative efforts.”

Aristocrat noted that it will continue pursuing its case against Light & Wonder in the US “and will seek all appropriate remedies to address the harm caused by L&W’s actions”. 

The company added that it “continues to consider its legal options in Australia” after the Federal Court of Australia granted Aristocrat pre-suit discovery against Light & Wonder earlier this year.

Light & Wonder to file an appeal

In response to the court’s ruling to grant a preliminary injunction to Aristocrat, Light & Wonder has stated that it respectfully disagrees with the judge’s decision and that it will “promptly file an appeal”, adding that it will “continue to vigorously defend against Aristocrat’s claims”, including presenting its defences to a jury at a trial.

In a statement, Light & Wonder said it expects strong business growth and reaffirmed its 2025 $1.4bn targeted consolidated AEBITDA. 

It is also moving forward with several “key initiatives to mitigate the immediate impact and any continuing business disruption from today’s order”, noting that the pre-ruling estimate of 2025 consolidated AEBITDA for Dragon Train was less than 5% of the $1.4bn.

“We have a diversified portfolio of successful game franchises that are driving our strong performance and growth, of which Dragon Train is only one,” the statement read.

“Increased investment in our R&D engine has and continues to deliver innovative, engaging content that gives us a continuing competitive advantage not tied to any one game or franchise.”

Responding to the court’s ruling, Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder, said: “We have the best game design talent in the industry, and they are creating great games across all our channels.

“We are excited about the new games we will be featuring at the Global Gaming Expo in October. We expect our strong growth trajectory to continue, notwithstanding this decision. 

“We have built an amazing business and a solid financial foundation over the last several years with great teams driving our success and are highly confident in our future of continuing innovation and ability to achieve our stated 2025 $1.4bn targeted consolidated AEBITDA.”

Light & Wonder added that its capital management strategy remains unchanged and that it will continue to allocate capital to where it believes it can achieve the best shareholder returns.

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As many looked forward to end of yet another year of distinct challenges, despite the immediate future appearing bleak to many as Omicron continued it global spread, the UKGC penalised yet more social responsibility and AML failures, Playtech continued to be a key topic of conversation, and as one transaction was finalised a merger fell through.

Feature of the month

Evolution’s Bonanza slot continued to outperform Scientific Games’ 88 Fortunes across North American online casino jurisdictions, reported Eilers-Fantini.

The two continued to occupy the top slots in the group’s latest ‘Online Game Performance Report’ for December, which also saw the former’s Extra Chilli title round-off the three places at the summit of slot ranks.

As a wave of games surged into the top 25, such as Double Da Vinci Diamonds by High 5 Games and SG’s Dolphin Reef, only Tiger Lord and Big Piggy Bonus by AGS and Inspired, respectively, became the only new entrants to the slots charts.

On an overall basis, International Game Technology’s Blackjack continued to lead the way, ahead of the aforementioned Bonanza as well as Live Dealer Roulette by Evolution, which boasted seven titles in the top 25.

New entrants both come via the Evolution group as First Person Blackjack and Blackjack Surrender, from the firm’s NetEnt brand, joined the list.

The Eilers-Fantini Online Game Performance Report collects monthly game performance data directly from online operators to track how games perform in the region’s igaming ecosystem, with an ambition of growing the database similarly to that of its land-based game performance index.

December’s analysis utilised data from 25 online casino sites across Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, and had grown to track 22,682 games.

In the news

The UK Gambling Commission was once again in the headlines through December after initiating regulatory action against Buzz Group, which was ordered to pay a £780,000 fine after social responsibility and money laundering failures were discovered.

Furthermore, the company, which operates the buzzbingo.com gaming portal, also received a formal warning for the failures, which the regulator said occurred between October 2019 and December 2020.

As Playtech approved the sale of the company’s financial trading division, Finalto, to Gopher Investments, meeting one of the key conditions of Aristocrat Leisure’s prospective buyout of the firm, JKO Play was handed a deadline of 5pm on January 5, 2022, to either announce a firm intention to make a takeover bid or withdraw.

Elsewhere, Fertitta Entertainment paid $33m to Fast Acquisition following the mutual termination of a merger agreement, as Broadway Gaming agreed a deal worth $50m to acquire 888 Group’s B2C bingo business, along with its B2B counterpart, Dragonfish.

Recommended reading

In the first of a pair of countrywatch spotlights Romania become the focus, with a population just shy of 20 million, boasting one the world’s fastest average internet speeds, and a well-established land-based gambling sector, the country has, at first glance, all the right conditions to be one of the most attractive in Europe.

To get the lowdown on the latest updates, trends, and opportunities for online casino that lie within the region, Catalin Negoita, commercial manager at Kalamba Games; Vladimir Malakchi, chief commercial officer at Evoplay; Robert Lee, commercial director at Realistic Games; and Michael Probert, director of commercial strategy at iSoftBet; delivered an update.

India also became a focus through the final month of the year, with the region having the potential to be one of the largest online gambling markets in the world, but it is not without its challenges. 

Patchwork regulation, a vast country with huge cultural differences and unique player preferences are just some of the hurdles that need to be cleared. 

CasinoBeats spoke to Andrei Beu, CCO of Gamingtec; David Mann, CCO of Swintt; and Pang Goh, business development director at Ezugi; to take a closer look at the current state of play in the country and what operators need to do if they are to unlock the full potential of the market

Videos of the month 

Soo Kim, chair of Bally’s Corporation and keynote speaker on day one of SBC Summit North America, told SBC why this is a special time to be in the gaming industry, how the group will stand out from the crowd in the New York market, and what to expect in 2022.

Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, talks responsible gambling being core to the industry’s success, goodwill with the American and political public, why he’s never seen anything move as fast as sports betting, and what’s to come for the industry in 2022.

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AFL features a comprehensive educational track that creates an opportunity for recent graduate students in the United States to learn the land-based gaming industry from the slot manufacturer.

The AFL rotational program offers full-time job opportunities for recent college graduates. In this role, participants will rotate through a variety of major commercial departments including finance, operations, marketing, and others. 

Each graduate will spend approximately eight months in each department, with “an immersive educational experience” promised. The rotational program is also said to offer competitive benefits and compensation to attract nationwide applicants.

“We’re excited to invest in the future of gaming with the introduction of Aristocrat Future Leaders,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Gaming.

“By prioritising education and placing the gaming supplier industry at the forefront of career opportunities, we look forward to welcoming top talent that will grow their career with Aristocrat for the long term.”

Last year, Aristocrat, which became an official partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, linked-up with US casino operator Boyd Gaming Corporation to debut its cashless wagering digital wallet technology at the firm’s Blue Chip Casino Resort Spa in Michigan City, Indiana.

The feature sees patrons place cash on account at the cashier cage, then use their player loyalty card to instantly access those funds on the casino floor. The digital wallet eliminates the need to handle cash at slot machines or redeem tickets, creating a frictionless experience for the customer.

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Through BoydPay, the gaming and hospitality firm’s customers will have the ability to create a cashless digital wallet that can be linked to third-party funding sources driven by Sightline Payments.   

BoydPay is live at Blue Chip Casino Resort Spa in Michigan City, Indiana, Belterra Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in a field trial at Aliante Casino, Hotel and Spa in north Las Vegas, Nevada.

During its initial phase, the digital wallet is linked to a player’s B Connected card, Boyd’s player loyalty program, and used to play or cash out on slot titles, also in partnership with Aristocrat.  

Pending regulatory approvals, the group anticipates deploying this product at all of its casino properties nationwide by this summer.

“BoydPay is all about enhancing the guest experience,” stated Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer for Boyd Gaming. 

“Through our innovative partnership with Aristocrat, we will create a unique and seamless payment experience for Boyd Gaming customers, allowing them to use their smartphones to play casino games, cash out, and pay for restaurant meals, show tickets or hotel rooms.  

“By going cashless, our customers will be able to avoid the wait times and inconveniences associated with using cash and focus on enjoying their visit to our properties.”

During future phases, and pending regulatory approval, Boyd Gaming will utilise Aristocrat technology to link the BoydPay wallet to its B Connected Mobile app, creating a contactless experience that will allow customers to use their smartphones to play and cash out on casino games and pay for amenities throughout the property.

“BoydPay is the latest product of our partnership with Boyd and the foundation of a memorable customer journey,” added Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions for Aristocrat. “We have the industry’s best people making the most innovative products that enhance the guest experience.”

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Initially detailing the deployment of cashless wagering digital wallet technology at the venue last year, the move sees patrons enable to load funds electronically from a personal account of their choice, after which they can then safely and securely use the digital cash to make wagers directly onto slot machines.

At the culmination of play any funds left on the machine can be optionally transferred back to their digital wallet to be used at another game in the casino. In future phases the solution will be expanded to include table games, restaurants, and a host of other amenities at the venue.

“Building on our partnership with Sightline and Aristocrat, we are proud to introduce a solution that has been designed from the ground-up to give our guests an unmatched cashless experience offering convenience, safety, and security,” said Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer of Boyd Gaming.

Sightline cites American Gaming Association research in emphasising the importance of the introduction, after it was previously found that 59 per cent of casino visitors are less likely to use cash in their everyday lives because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was further reported that 57 per cent of those who have visited a casino during the last year have reported that the option for digital or contactless payments on the casino floor is important to them because of the health crisis.

“Sightline thanks Boyd Gaming for its vision and congratulates Blue Chip and Aristocrat on this launch,” said Joe Pappano, CEO of Sightline. “A mobile-centric payments ecosystem that works across all channels and verticals is the future of all regulated gaming in the United States.”

Over the coming months, pending regulatory approvals, Boyd intends to expand these capabilities to its patrons nationwide, and extend the utility of the ecosystem to all patron-facing touchpoints.   

“At Aristocrat we believe in creating exceptional customer experiences and we are deeply grateful to Boyd in entrusting us to create such an experience for their patrons,” added Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions for Aristocrat. 

“This collaboration between Boyd Gaming, Sightline Payments and Aristocrat Technology will serve as a blueprint for the path forward for the industry.”

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The feature sees patrons place cash on account at the cashier cage, then use their player loyalty card to instantly access those funds on the casino floor. The digital wallet eliminates the need to handle cash at slot machines or redeem tickets, creating a frictionless experience for the customer.

The launch will initially provide access to the wallet for slot machine players, allowing them to use their B Connected player loyalty card to place wagers and cash out credits. In future stages, access to the digital wallet will be expanded to table games, restaurants, and other amenities at Blue Chip.

“Building on our strategic partnership with Aristocrat, Boyd Gaming continues to add best-in-class mobile cashless wagering and contactless solutions that will greatly enhance the patron experience at our properties,” noted Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer of Boyd Gaming.

 “As previously announced, we will continue to leverage our partnership with Aristocrat to drive mobile innovation in a secure and exciting environment for our patrons.”

Based on the success of the Blue Chip launch, and pending regulatory approvals, Aristocrat and Boyd Gaming intend to expand digital wallet technology to additional Boyd Gaming properties across the country. 

Furthermore, the two companies also plan to integrate the digital wallet into Boyd Gaming’s B Connected Mobile app, with an aim of creating a digital, touchless experience for customers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Boyd to bring this new and exciting solution to their patrons,” said Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions for Aristocrat. 

“We are passionate about the patron engagement and that Boyd continues to roll out Aristocrat’s suite of innovative CX mobile solutions to aid in the transformation of the patron and industry experience.”

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The agreement designates Aristocrat as an official partner of the Raiders and the team’s Allegiant Stadium home, the 65,000 capacity $1.8bn domed arena located adjacent to the Strip.

As an official partner of the franchise, Aristocrat will have prominent signage throughout the Raiders’ facility year-round, including in-stadium and in-game branding and naming rights to the Owners East Club. 

The partnership also features entitlement of the Aristocrat Club at Allegiant Stadium, an exclusive experience with a full-service premium bar, luxury lounge and upgraded stadium seating for game-viewing.

Additionally, the company will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Raiders 50/50 Raffle, with the joint effort undertaken to enable both parties to give back to the community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi7WYo-qR-o

“We are thrilled to welcome the Raiders to Las Vegas and to score an exclusive casino gaming supplier partnership with the team,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Americas. 

“Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, and as an exclusive partner to one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, we look forward to providing playful experiences for Raiders fans.”

This latest partnership for the Las Vegas Raiders follows an agreement entered last year alongside San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the tribe’s San Manuel Casino, MGM Resorts International and the casino operator’s BetMGM joint venture with GVC Holdings.

“The Raiders are excited to welcome Aristocrat Technologies as our newest partner,” Marc Badain Raiders’ president, said of the latest link-up. “Aristocrat is a great match as evidenced by their innovative technology and commitment to team up with the Raiders in giving back to the community.”

The Las Vegas Raiders are currently 2-2 in the NFL season, with recent losses to the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots following victories over the Caroline Panthers and New Orleans Saints.

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Representing the latest addition to Boyd’s ‘B Connected’ stable, the app, developed by the Aristocrat Customer Experience Solutions team in conjunction with Boyd Interactive, aims to drive player connectivity by offering engagement at home, on-the-go, or on the casino floor.

Through B Connected Mobile, available via Android and iOS, Boyd Gaming customers will be able to view account balances and tier status in the loyalty program, as well as activate promotional offers and drawing entries. 

A personalised inbox, tied to the patron’s B Connected card, will share discounts, offers and feature exclusive entertainment and promotions, allowing the guest in real-time to redeem or plan their activities for an upcoming stay or visit.

“Thanks to our strategic partnership with Aristocrat, Boyd Gaming now has a best-in-class mobile platform that will allow us to greatly enhance the guest experience at our properties,” stated Blake Rampmaier, senior vice president and chief information officer of Boyd Gaming. 

“Ultimately, we will make B Connected Mobile the hub of a unique digital experience – a mobile tool that can be used as a cashless wallet, player loyalty card and hotel room key, all available from a player’s smartphone.”

Furthermore, Boyd Gaming will also utilise all of Aristocrat’s Oasis 360 CX Solutions as its player engagement ecosystem at all of its casino properties, which currently stands at 29 facilities, across the US. 

Aristocrat’s Oasis 360 combines casino management technology, comprising slot management, bonusing, digital, table management, single card loyalty solutions, kiosk, and a media management hub.

Cath Burns, executive vice president of customer experience solutions at Aristocrat, added: “We are thrilled that Boyd Gaming has selected the Aristocrat suite of solutions to help transform both the guest experience and the industry.”

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Joining as a member of the Las Vegas headquartered organisation’s board of directors, the appointment is subject to customary gaming regulatory approvals.

Mark Lipparelli, Galaxy’s chairman of the board, said of the new addition: “Gavin brings a rare broad set of skills to the Galaxy Gaming Board including his leadership roles, public company background, international reach and deep industry experience.  

“Our shareholders will benefit a great deal from his contributions to the board’s efforts in setting the strategic direction of the company. We are excited to get started.”

On the appointment of Isaacs, Todd Cravens, Galaxy’s CEO, stated, “I have known Gavin for a number of years, and we have always wanted to find a way to work together. As we grow into new markets and new product lines, Gavin’s counsel will be invaluable.”

Beginning his career as an attorney in Australia, Isaacs has held leadership positions across the gaming industry, including president of Aristocrat Technologies, chief operating officer of Bally Technologies, CEO of SHFL Entertainment and president and CEO of Scientific Games.

Regarding the new role Isaacs, who is also the non-executive chairman of SBTech, added: “I believe Galaxy Gaming is in a very unique place, with tremendous opportunities in front of it. I am very pleased to be joining the board of directors. I am hopeful that my experience in gaming, especially my time in the table games business, and my experience in M&A, will be helpful in driving Galaxy to the next level.”

Last month Galaxy received a number of licensing approvals across the United States and Canada, including a gaming related contractor certificate from the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Gaming, a manufacturer’s licensing approval from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

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Securing its $990m sale of Big Fish Games to Aristocrat Technologies early last year, CDI also closed the acquisition to secure 100 per cent ownership of Ocean Downs Casino and Racetrack located in Berlin, Maryland, which saw it release equity interest in Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado.

Furthermore, the organisation has also revealed further details of its pending acquisition of certain ownership interests in Midwest Gaming Holdings, stressing “as a result of the recapitalisation, the company’s ownership of Midwest Gaming will increase to approximately 62 per cent.

“The transactions are dependent on usual and customary closing conditions, including securing approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.  The transactions are expected to close in the first half of 2019.”

This comes as Q4 revenues increased 22 per cent for the quarter to $219m (2017: $178.9m), boosting full year revenues 14 per cent from 2018’s $882.6m to a fraction over $1bn.

Various increases across a variety of properties drove casino revenues to $109.9m and $411.2m for Q4 and FY, up from $87.2m and $250.5m, whilst online wagering handle growth outpaced the US thoroughbred industry to come in at $61.7m (2017: $57.5m) and $295.4m (2017: $256.7) respectively.

Racing’s net revenues for the quarter fractionally rose to $34.1m from $32.9m, helping nudge along a full year to boost to $295.4m (2017: $276.6m).

Adjusted EBITDA for the final quarter of the year saw a 14 per cent increase from $37.8m to $43m, helping the FY figure to $328.8m, a 15 per cent rise from $286.2m.

The company’s fourth quarter net income was $11.4m, comprised of $7.3m in net income from continuing operations and $4.1m from discontinued operations, compared to $38.2m in the prior year quarter, made up of $34.4m from continuing operations and $3.8m from discontinued operations.

Seeing its quarterly figure impacted by a series of US tax related issues, full year net income came in at $352.8m, comprised of $182.6m from continuing operations and $170.2m from discontinued operations, compared to $140.5m in the prior year, comprising of $122.4m from continuing operations and $18.1m from discontinued operations.

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