Jumbo Technology Sues Evolution Over Alleged Patent Infringement

Taiwanese gaming equipment manufacturer Jumbo Technology has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against Evolution, claiming the latter’s Lightning series infringes on a patented dynamic odds game mechanic.

Jumbo Technology Files Lawsuit Against Evolution

In a complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware on May 29, Jumbo Technology Evolution willfully infringed upon US Patent No. 9,646,459. The patent, granted in 2017, covers a system that randomly generates enhanced odds for games like roulette, baccarat, and dice. According to Jumbo Technology, Evolution’s Lightning-branded games use Jumbo’s patented “dynamic raised odds” feature. Jumbo claims the feature is intended to boost player engagement through occasional enhanced payouts, while still ensuring operators remain profitable.

The Taiwanese company, a gaming supplier in the Asian market since 2000, asserts that its patented technology forms the foundation of several of Evolution’s flagship live casino games. These include titles such as Lightning Roulette, Red Door Roulette, Lightning Baccarat, and Lightning Dice, all of which incorporate randomized multipliers that boost payout potential on select wagers.

Jumbo’s legal team stated that the innovation described in the patent enhances player engagement by transforming traditional, static game formats into more dynamic, unpredictable experiences. As a result, players tend to play longer and enjoy the games more. They added that, in the context of online gambling, introducing a dynamic, raised-odds feature shifts games away from merely replicating physical casino experiences, injecting greater excitement and unpredictability into gameplay outcomes.

Jumbo Technology Seeks Damages

With its lawsuit against Evolution, the Taiwanese company is seeking damages, additional compensation for willful infringement, and reimbursement of legal fees. The lawsuit cites examples such as enhanced roulette payouts where the traditional 35:1 payout can be increased to 42:1 using the patented system. Similar multiplier-based enhancements are described in games like baccarat and sic bo, with odds adjustments linked to specific bet outcomes and structured to maintain the house edge.

Jumbo claims it first notified Evolution of the potential patent infringement in June 2024, offering a licensing agreement with reasonable royalty terms. According to the lawsuit, following a series of communications, Evolution declined to engage in licensing discussions and continued to operate the games in several US states, including Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan.

Jumbo further accuses Evolution of indirect infringement, claiming the company encouraged third parties, including licensed US casinos and game operators, to offer the allegedly infringing games. Additionally, the complaint notes that Evolution promoted its Lightning series at industry events such as G2E Las Vegas to drive adoption within the US market.

At the time of writing of this article, Evolution has not yet responded.