In a new class-action lawsuit filed against International Game Technology (IGT) and several major casino operators, four plaintiffs claim that the iconic Wheel of Fortune slot machines deceive players with a rigged bonus wheel. The plaintiffs allege that despite appearances suggesting fairness, the bonus wheel on these slots is pre-programmed to favor lower-value prizes, ultimately misleading players into believing they have a fair chance at higher rewards. The lawsuit seeks both compensatory damages and an injunction to halt the promotion of these allegedly deceptive games.

The allegations: rigged wheels and deceptive practices:

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Nevada, claims that the bonus wheel in IGT’s Wheel of Fortune slots is not truly random, as it seems. The game, which features a wheel with equal-sized segments, creates the illusion of fairness by mimicking the laws of physics. However, the plaintiffs argue that, in reality, the outcome of the wheel is determined by an internal computer program, not chance. This program allegedly manipulates the results, making it more likely that the wheel will stop on segments with lower monetary values.

As the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports, the complaint likens the game to a rigged roulette wheel, where the odds are unfairly stacked in favor of certain outcomes. The plaintiffs argue that this misrepresentation of the game’s fairness constitutes fraudulent and deceptive marketing. “The wheel device is rigged by an internal computer to stop much more frequently on the segments with lower monetary amounts than the segments with higher monetary amounts,” the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs claim this deceptive design prevents players from having an equal chance of winning a significant prize.

According to Malta-based boutique multi-disciplinary consultancy and law firm E&S Group, the lawsuit doesn’t just target IGT but also names five major casino companies as defendants: MGM Resorts International, Bally’s Corporation, Penn Entertainment Inc., Station Casinos LLC, and Boyd Gaming Corporation. These operators are accused of knowingly profiting from machines that allegedly mislead players about their odds of winning.

The lawsuit specifically mentions the plaintiffs, including Las Vegas resident Jessica Naumann and Detroit resident Charlotte Bownes, among others, who played on these machines at casinos in Las Vegas, Detroit, and Rhode Island. Each of them reportedly lost money while using the game, although the exact amounts are not specified. They argue that the casinos, by promoting and hosting these deceptive machines, contributed to the exploitation of unsuspecting players.

The legal framework: RICO, fraud, and consumer protection:

The legal basis for the lawsuit includes multiple claims, including violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), fraud, unjust enrichment, and negligent misrepresentation. The plaintiffs argue that the rigged bonus wheel has led to “illegal siphoning of billions of dollars” from players into the pockets of IGT and the casino operators involved.

In addition to financial restitution, the plaintiffs are seeking an injunction that would prevent IGT from continuing to promote and operate the Wheel of Fortune game in its current form. The lawsuit also requests that the true odds of winning on the bonus wheel be clearly disclosed to players, a step that would ensure greater transparency and consumer protection in the gaming industry.

The allegations in this lawsuit could have significant ramifications for the gaming industry. Slot machines and electronic gaming devices are tightly regulated, with manufacturers required to meet high standards of fairness and transparency. If the claims in the lawsuit are proven, it could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of electronic gaming devices, including more stringent requirements for the disclosure of game odds.

This case also raises broader questions about the line between entertainment and consumer protection in the gambling industry. While slot machines are designed to be engaging and enjoyable, this lawsuit highlights the potential for deception when the odds are not transparently communicated to players. The gaming world will closely follow the outcome of this case, which could reshape industry standards for fairness and accountability.

As the legal battle continues, the plaintiffs hope to shed light on the inner workings of these popular slot machines and force a rethinking of how casinos and manufacturers present their games to the public. The lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, not only for IGT and the named casino operators but for the broader gaming industry as well. A successful outcome for the plaintiffs could set a precedent for future consumer protection cases within the gaming sector, potentially changing how slot machines are designed and marketed across the country.

For now, all eyes are on the courts as this case unfolds. The plaintiffs have called for a jury trial, and the case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Anne Traum, with Magistrate Judge Craig Denney handling pretrial matters. If the allegations are upheld, it could result in significant changes in the regulation and marketing of slot machines.