LNW Gaming, a subsidiary of Light & Wonder, has announced the closure of its Michigan facility, which is located at 22630 Haggerty Road in Farmington Hills. The shutdown is set to take place next month, leading to significant layoffs. According to a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice filed in February with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the facility’s closure will affect approximately 92 employees.
LNW Gaming Announces Layoffs, Faces Legal Setback in Baccarat Distribution Dispute
The layoffs, which will begin on April 27, will impact a variety of workers at the Michigan facility. These employees include entry-level operators, game show presenters, managers, supervisors, and trainers. LNW Gaming confirmed that all employees affected by the shutdown are not part of a union, meaning they do not have bumping rights, a union provision that allows workers to replace laid-off workers with less seniority. As a result, the layoffs will be final with no chance for these employees to retain their positions.
LNW Gaming Announces Michigan Facility Closure Amid Layoffs and Legal SetbacksLNW Gaming recently encountered a significant legal setback in Nevada, where a judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, Talisman Group, in a lawsuit against the company. Talisman Group had accused LNW Gaming of violating a distribution agreement related to the popular baccarat product, EZ Baccarat. The lawsuit centered around LNW’s actions of marketing a competing product, Ruyi Baccarat, while leasing the original game to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The judge sided with Talisman, agreeing that LNW had breached its contract.
Legal Battle Against LNW Gaming Continues, Light & Wonder Exits Live Casino Market
Despite the favorable ruling for Talisman Group, the legal battle is far from over. The case will continue in Vancouver, as both sides prepare for further proceedings. The lawsuit is seen as a significant legal challenge for LNW Gaming, as the relatively small Talisman Group successfully fought against one of the world’s largest gaming companies. This case could have broader implications for the gaming industry, particularly in terms of contract enforcement and fair competition.
In another development related to Light & Wonder, the parent company has decided to exit the live-dealer iGaming market. This decision was disclosed during the company’s recent earnings call. As a result, Evolution and Playtech will remain the primary suppliers of live casino services in the United States. CEO Matt Wilson explained that the company intends to focus on other areas of business that promise better returns, acknowledging that the live casino vertical had not been as profitable as initially expected.
