A former Light & Wonder (NASDAQ: LNW) executive claims he was fired after refusing to falsify financial reports, potentially exposing violations of federal securities laws.

Antonio Amormino, the company's former head of casino studio for North America, alleges Vice President of Operations Dror Damchinsky requested him to modify the company's budget file and capital asset reports in July 2023, according to a whistleblower lawsuit filed in Oakland County, Michigan Circuit Court.

Amormino claims he refused the requests, warning that such actions could violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), which protects against financial fraud in public companies. He reported the incidents to head of accounting Vickie Huber and office manager Melissa Sly, but alleges Damchinsky repeated the request on July 31.

After filing a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on August 12, Amormino was terminated four days later. His legal team argues the dismissal was retaliatory and violates Michigan's Whistleblower Protection Act.

Light & Wonder denies the allegations and has filed for dismissal, successfully moving the case to federal Michigan Eastern District Court. The company contends it was unaware of Amormino's OSHA complaint until after his termination and argues that OSHA complaints aren't covered under Michigan whistleblower laws. Additionally, Light & Wonder states Amormino waived his right to a jury trial in his employment agreement.

The company is actively defending against the allegations through legal channels while maintaining its disagreement with Amormino's claims.

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