Evolution Moves Trade Secret Dispute with Light & Wonder to Arbitration

A Nevada District Court has decided that the ongoing legal conflict between Evolution and Light & Wonder over alleged trade secret theft will be resolved in arbitration, not in court. The case stems from Evolution’s accusations that Light & Wonder misused confidential game data to launch competing products. This ruling marks the latest twist in a legal saga that has been unfolding since mid-2024.

The Origins of the Legal Dispute

The dispute between the two gaming giants began in 2021 when Evolution and Light & Wonder entered into a licensing agreement. As part of this deal, Evolution granted Light & Wonder the exclusive right to develop a land-based version of its Lightning Roulette game (more about the game is available here) for physical casinos. The agreement also included a non-disclosure clause, under which Evolution shared sensitive information regarding the game’s mathematical formulas and other proprietary details.

However, Evolution later filed a lawsuit in June 2024, accusing Light & Wonder of breaching the terms of their agreement by misappropriating the confidential information it had been given. Evolution claimed that Light & Wonder had used this data to create a rival product—Roulette X—which closely resembled Lightning Roulette. In the lawsuit, Evolution highlighted allegations of trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement.

Court Ruling: Arbitration Decision

On September 30, 2025, Judge Cristina Silva of the Nevada District Court ruled that the case should be sent to arbitration, following the terms of the original licensing agreement between the two companies. This agreement stipulated that disputes should be resolved through arbitration according to the International Chamber of Commerce’s rules. The decision came after Evolution argued that the dispute over trade secrets fell within the scope of the arbitration clause.

Evolution had contested this approach, claiming that certain claims—specifically those related to intellectual property—should be excluded from arbitration, citing a carve-out in the agreement for disputes related to licensed properties. However, Judge Silva rejected this argument, stating that the carve-out provision applied only to certain disputes, not to IP infringement claims. The judge concluded that the arbitration clause remained valid and applicable to the case.

Furthermore, Light & Wonder had argued that Evolution’s claims were time-barred by a one-year limitation period specified in the licensing agreement. However, Judge Silva declined to rule on this matter, indicating that it should also be resolved during the arbitration process.

Light & Wonder’s Ongoing Legal Challenges

While this ruling addresses one legal issue for Light & Wonder, the company is still facing other legal battles. Aristocrat, a competitor, has filed a lawsuit accusing Light & Wonder of copying its successful Dragon Link slot game with a similar title, Dragon Train. This case is still in its early stages, with Light & Wonder’s motion to dismiss the case being denied. The legal proceedings are expected to continue for years.

Evolution’s Growing Presence in the U.S. Market

Alongside its legal challenges, Evolution is continuing its expansion in the U.S. market. The company recently launched its flagship live game show, Crazy Time, in Connecticut, marking another step in Evolution’s strategy to increase its presence across the United States. Prior to Connecticut, Crazy Time had already launched successfully in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.

Since its debut in 2020, Crazy Time has become one of the most successful live casino games globally. The game features a money wheel and multiple bonus rounds, which have made it a favorite among casino players. The launch in Connecticut further extends Evolution’s reach in the live casino space, solidifying its dominance in the market.

Jacob Claesson, CEO of North America at Evolution, commented: “Bringing Crazy Time to Connecticut is an exciting step as we continue to expand across the US and deliver our world-class live casino portfolio to an even wider audience.”

Sources:

Evolution Granted Arbitration in Light & Wonder Infringement Case, sbcamericas.com, October 3, 2025