In a significant legal move that could shake up the live casino sector, Taiwan-based Jumbo Technology has brought a patent infringement lawsuit against Evolution, targeting the company’s well-known Lightning-branded games. The complaint accuses Evolution of using a patented dynamic odds system without consent, and seeks damages for what Jumbo claims is an ongoing and willful violation.
Dispute Over Patented Odds-Boosting System
The legal action centers on U.S. Patent No. 9,646,459, granted to Jumbo in 2017. This patent outlines a method for adding randomly enhanced odds to games such as roulette, baccarat, and dice, turning fixed payout structures into more unpredictable experiences. Jumbo asserts that Evolution’s Lightning series replicates this exact mechanism.
The complaint, filed on May 29 in the District of Delaware, argues that this core mechanic—a dynamic boost to betting odds—has been embedded in titles like Lightning Roulette, Lightning Baccarat, Lightning Dice, and Red Door Roulette. Jumbo believes the feature has not only made these games more engaging but was originally conceived and patented by their own development team.
Jumbo’s lawyers describe the innovation as one that transforms traditional online casino formats into something more exciting and variable. As stated in the filing: “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.”
Initial Warning Ignored, Says Jumbo
Jumbo contends that this situation could have been avoided. In June 2024, the company reached out to Evolution with a notification about the possible patent conflict and offered to license the technology under fair terms. However, after what appears to have been an unproductive exchange, Evolution declined to pursue a licensing agreement, according to the complaint.
Despite being made aware of the patent, Evolution reportedly continued to distribute the Lightning games in the U.S., including states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia. Jumbo claims this decision shows intentional disregard, and the complaint characterizes the infringement as “wilful, deliberate, and intentional.”
Lawsuit Aims to Halt and Compensate
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, enhanced penalties for alleged willful infringement, and legal costs. Jumbo highlights gameplay elements like payout boosts in roulette, where a standard 35:1 return could be raised to 42:1, as clear examples of their patented system in use. Similar mechanics appear in other games, offering multipliers tied to specific bets while preserving the casino’s edge.
In addition to direct infringement, Jumbo alleges indirect involvement, accusing Evolution of enabling licensed U.S. casinos and other operators to host and promote the games. The company also points to Evolution’s presence at events like G2E Las Vegas, suggesting that the Lightning games were actively marketed in the U.S. after the patent concerns were raised.
At the time of writing, Evolution has not issued a public statement or filed a response in court regarding the lawsuit.
Source:
“Evolution sued by Taiwanese company over patent infringement”, marketscreener.com, Jun 18, 2025
The post Evolution’s Lightning Series Under Legal Fire from Jumbo Technology first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.