AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE REACHED TO SETTLE
WASHINGTON LITIGATION
Sydney, 25 May 2020

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) (“Aristocrat”) today announced it has entered into an
agreement in principle to settle the two lawsuits in Washington State brought by Cheryl Kater, Suzie
Kelly and Manasa Thimmegowda (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) relating to the online social gaming
platforms Big Fish Casino, Jackpot Magic Slots and Epic Diamond Slots, offered by Big Fish Games,
Inc. (“Big Fish”). Aristocrat completed its acquisition of Big Fish from Churchill Downs Incorporated
(“CDI”) in January 2018.
As previously announced, and most recently described in Aristocrat's 2020 Half Year Financial
Statements, these two class action lawsuits allege, among other claims, that certain games Big Fish
offers for play are games of chance that are prohibited by Washington law. In both lawsuits the
plaintiffs are seeking on behalf of themselves and a nationwide settlement class, among other
things, return of monies lost, reasonable attorneys' fees, injunctive relief, and treble and punitive
damages. The agreement in principle follows a mediation involving Aristocrat, Big Fish, CDI and
plaintiffs and remains subject to approval by the US Federal District Court for the Western District of
Washington (the “District Court”).
Under the terms of the settlement, if approved by the District Court:
•

a total of USD$155 million would be paid into a settlement fund. CDI would pay USD$124 million
of this amount and Aristocrat would pay USD$31 million;

•

all members of the nationwide settlement class who do not exclude themselves would provide
releases of claims relating to the subject matter of the lawsuits;

•

the parties have agreed to provide notice to the District Court that the parties have reached a
settlement in principle and to request that the cases be stayed pending execution and filing of a
formal settlement agreement; and

•

Aristocrat would release CDI from any and all indemnity obligations arising from or relating to
these two class action lawsuits.

Further Information:

Financial:

Rohan Gallagher
General Manager, Investor Relations & Treasury
Tel: (612) 8216 3902; Mobile: (61) 421 051 416
rohan.gallagher@aristocrat.com
Reuben Rattos
Group Treasurer & Investor Relations Manager
Tel: (612) 9013 6407; Mobile: (61) 418 212 852
reuben.rattos@aristocrat.com

 Media:

Natalie Toohey
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Mobile: (61) 409 239 459

Authorised for lodgement by:
Richard Bell, Company Secretary
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading gaming provider and games publisher, with more than 6,200 employees
located in offices around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming
machines, casino management systems, and digital social games. The Company’s land-based products are approved for
use in more than 300 licensed jurisdictions and are available in over 80 countries. For further information visit the Group’s
website at www.aristocrat.com.