MGM Resorts Is Sued by GAN Over Patent for Loyalty Rewards Tech

MGM Resorts International was hit with a lawsuit alleging its system for communicating loyalty credit information between its M Life Rewards casino program and the BetMGM online gaming service infringes a GAN Ltd. patent.

GAN, formerly known as GameAccount Network PLC, is “a full-service business-to-business supplier of internet gaming software-as-a-service solutions to the land-based casino industry,” according to a complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.

The patent covers technologies connecting an Internet-based gaming system with a land-based casino management system to determine whether a patron’s online gaming account loyalty credits are transferable to the land-based system, the suit says. If they are, it then transmits the credits. Bloomberg Law estimates the patent will expire in August 2033.

GAN’s proprietary internet gaming enterprise software system is called GameSTACK, the suit says. The company licenses it to land-based casino operators “as a turnkey technology solution for real-money and social online gaming.”

GAN says MGM has known of the patent since at least as early as 2016, when the parties discussed “a contemplated business relationship” involving “GAN’s online gaming software-as-a-service solutions.” It’s seeking damages of at least a reasonable royalty in an amount to be determined at trial.

Cause of Action: Patent infringement.

Relief: Damages for alleged infringement; trebling of damages and/or exemplary damages for willful infringement; permanent injunction; attorneys’ fees and costs; and pre- and post-judgment interest and costs.

Response: MGM didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Attorneys: GAN is represented by Duane Morris LLP.

The case is GAN (UK) Ltd. v. MGM Resorts Int’l, D. Del., No. 22-cv-361, complaint filed 3/21/22.