• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Aristocrat to pay US$31mln in Big Fish lawsuit settlement

May 25, 2020 Newsdesk Industry Talk, Latest News, World  


Aristocrat to pay US$31mln in Big Fish lawsuit settlement

Slot machine maker and online games supplier Aristocrat Leisure Ltd is to pay US$31 million as part of a US$155-million class-action settlement centring on two lawsuits in the U.S. state of Washington, after reaching what it termed “an agreement in principle”.

The lawsuits related to the manner of commercial use of certain intellectual property – under the Big Fish Games brand – the Australia-listed group acquired for US$990 million from U.S.-based gaming provider Churchill Downs Inc in January 2018. Churchill Downs will pay the US$124-million balance in the settlement.

Plaintiffs Cheryl Kater, Suzie Kelly and Manasa Thimmegowda claimed the online social gaming platforms “Big Fish Casino”, “Jackpot Magic Slots” and “Epic Diamond Slots”, offered certain products that were actually games of chance, of a type prohibited under Washington state law.

In February 2019, Aristocrat had said in an announcement it would “vigorously defend” a U.S. lawsuit that argued that tokens offered in some of its free social games had a value, making them elements allegedly in games of chance.

In the two lawsuits, the plaintiffs were seeking on behalf of themselves and a nationwide settlement class: return of monies lost; reasonable fees for the work of attorneys; injunctive relief; and treble and punitive damages, among other things, said the Aristocrat group.

The agreement in principle followed mediation involving the Aristocrat group, the Big Fish brand, Churchill Downs and plaintiffs, and “remains subject to approval” by the U.S. Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington, said Monday’s filing to the Australian Securities Exchange by Aristocrat.

The announcement said that all members of the nationwide settlement class “who do not exclude themselves would provide releases of claims relating to the subject matter of the lawsuits”.

Under the deal, the Aristocrat side would also release Churchill Downs from “any and all indemnity obligations arising from or relating to these two class-action lawsuits”.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Aristocrat at G2E Asia in Singapore previews Year of Dragon
    Aristocrat at G2E Asia in Singapore...

    May 09, 2023  

  • Aristocrat names infrastructure specialist for board
    Aristocrat names infrastructure...

    Apr 11, 2023  

More news
  • iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling challenges: Uplatform
    iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling...

    May 31, 2023  

  • Thailand still a watch and wait: LVS chairman
    Thailand still a watch and wait: LVS...

    May 31, 2023  


Latest News

iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling challenges: Uplatform

iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling challenges: Uplatform

May 31, 2023  

The iGaming segment in Asia “has grown rapidly” since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, says Rakhi Jaimini (pictured), sales manager at sports betting and online casino operating...
Read More
Thailand still a watch and wait: LVS chairman

Thailand still a watch and wait: LVS chairman

May 31, 2023  

Bloomberry new court win in Bangladesh Bank heist case

Bloomberry new court win in Bangladesh Bank heist case

May 31, 2023  

‘See before you play’ slot marketing tool, say tech suppliers

‘See before you play’ slot marketing tool, say tech...

May 31, 2023  

Macau stocks tied to China outlook: Bloomberg analyst

Macau stocks tied to China outlook: Bloomberg analyst

May 31, 2023  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”[Macau casino] operators may want to remain prudent in not appearing to reward shareholders too early”

DS Kim

Head of Asia gaming and leisure research at JP Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific)



Most Popular

  • Dividend restart still far for Macau ops: JP MorganDividend restart still far for Macau ops: JP Morgan May 30, 2023
  • We’ll be in Singapore for many years: LVS chairmanWe’ll be in Singapore for many years: LVS chairman May 30, 2023
  • Cotai Expo hotel extra to licence capex, says GoldsteinCotai Expo hotel extra to licence capex, says Goldstein May 29, 2023

Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us