Last week, Light & Wonder voluntarily withdrew its lawsuit against Zeroo Gravity Games over a copyright issue related to the latter’s Three Stuffed Swine game.
On the latest episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Joe Streeter, Editor of CasinoBeats, was joined by Danny Lee, Senior Journalist for SlotBeats, to examine the details of the case.
Danny explained that Zeroo Gravity Games has removed the game from its offering, suggesting that a resolution was found between the two studios.
This case was just one of a number between slot developers over potential copyright infringements. In recent times, Light & Wonder has found itself in disputes with both Evolution and Aristocrat.
The duo considered whether Light & Wonder’s withdrawal could set a precedent for swift action in other cases, as well as a reduction in the number of such cases.
Danny said: “I think that’s what we’d all like to see. These companies working these issues out between themselves rather than having to go through certain lawsuits and it can often become a very passive-aggressive situation.
“We’re all hoping that we’re going to see less of these cases and I think the reaction from the industry does show that they’re hoping that this might encourage more innovation from studios to think, we need to be making games that don’t impede on any other games and we need to do something unique and original. That should make it a more exciting space.”
After the break, the show’s attention then turned to two very different islands.
Previously on the podcast, Joe has covered the tightening of restrictions in the Philippines, including the ban of POGO licences in the country which has displaced a plethora of operators.
Now, according to reports, the Isle of Man is “examining the impact of embracing these displaced gambling operators”.
Referring to a quote from a Digital Isle of Man spokesperson, Joe said: “They believe that the blanket ban imposed by the Philippine regulator has created significant displacement of the sector and it means legitimate and high-performing businesses operating in this region are required to seek alternative regulatory markets.
“That’s something they’re looking to take advantage of and use to boost their own economy. Underlining the seriousness of their ambitions the government has agreed funding for a trip to Manila to assess the seriousness of the potential of bringing in these operators into the Isle of Man regulatory framework.”
Elsewhere in the Philippines, the country looks set to be removed from the FATF grey list, after achieving its 18-point action plan set by the task force.
“That’s massive for not just the gambling sector, but the wider economy,” said Joe.
“It will be a big moment to legitimise the efforts of President [Bongbong] Marcos who has really tried to encourage grey market operators to shift away from the grey market and make the regulated market more attractive.”
