Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder is positioning itself to capture market share in emerging gaming regions, focusing on the UAE, Japan, and Thailand.
According to The Australian Financial Review, Matt Wilson, CEO of Light & Wonder, emphasized that the legal challenges surrounding Dragon Train had no significant impact on the company’s third-quarter performance. He also highlighted expanding opportunities in several key markets.
Wilson noted that the UAE is set to launch its first casino, with Wynn Resorts having received approval for a casino license expected to go live in late 2026. Additionally, Thailand is exploring the possibility of legalizing gaming, while Japan is preparing to open its market in the coming years.
However, the company is currently navigating legal hurdles. On September 23rd, 2024, US District Judge Gloria M. Navarro granted Aristocrat Technologies a preliminary injunction, prohibiting Light & Wonder from selling or leasing its Dragon Train game. The court sided with Aristocrat’s allegations of trade secret misappropriation, accusing Light & Wonder of copying elements from Aristocrat’s popular Dragon Link game.
Despite this setback, Wilson downplayed concerns about the potential financial impact of the injunction. He emphasized that Light & Wonder’s extensive portfolio, which includes over 130 new games annually, would help the company maintain its leadership position in North America. The company is already developing a revised version of Dragon Train to comply with the court’s ruling, ensuring it can continue delivering new products to its customers.
Wilson reassured investors that the legal issue had no material impact on third-quarter results. He described it as an isolated incident and reiterated Light & Wonder’s commitment to advancing its diverse game portfolio.
According to the latest financial results, the company reported a 12 percent year-on-year increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching $817 million.
