Several media sites in Nevada have reported that a federal judge in Las Vegas has apparently nullified several patents held by slot machine company International Game Technology, which could allow competitors to sell and distribute their games. According to Las Vegas Gaming Wire, Judge Robert Clive Jones ruled against IGT in a patent infringement case involving IGT and Bally Technologies, declaring that bonus wheel  games patents held by IGT are voided. IGT patents include games such as Wheel of Fortune and similar wheel bonus games currently displayed in dozens of Las Vegas casinos. The court’s order would also reject IGT's argument that Bally's bonus wheel-based slot machines violate patents owned by IGT.

Bally has issued a statement in response to various inquiries and market actions subsequent to the hearing, however, the company’s representatives said that Bally won’t make any comments regarding the case until the case is filed. Bally expressed that the judge decision could also invalidate IGT’s claims for player tracking patents issues.

Bally and IGT have engaged in a war or lawsuits for patent violations and antitrust issues. Gaming analyst Celeste Brown told investors the favorable ruling could close the door for IGT in its fight to obtain damages regarding any bonus wheel patents. Brown said that a monetary compensation is no longer a possibility because it could cause IGT to permanently lose its patents.

"Investors should have more confidence in Bally's legal position going forward. In our view, the decision makes a global settlement of all litigation between the companies less likely, as IGT will have to appeal the decision if it hopes to recover its patent." Brown said.