Evolution names Playtech in connection with 2021 “smear campaign” | Yogonet International
Summary
Evolution says court discovery in its New Jersey defamation suit has revealed that Playtech Software Limited hired private intelligence firm Black Cube in 2020 to produce and distribute a report alleging Evolution operated in prohibited markets (China, Iran, Sudan). Evolution calls the report fabricated and anti-competitive; Playtech does not deny commissioning the probe and says it was lawful. Regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania found no evidence of illegal activity in 2024, and New Jersey court described the 2021 report as “not truthful” and “objectively baseless.” Evolution now intends to amend its complaint to add Playtech as a defendant; Black Cube was reportedly paid more than £1.8 million for the work. Playtech’s shares plunged over 30% after the announcement, while litigation continues into 2026.
Key Points
- Court discovery shows Playtech Software Limited hired Black Cube in 2020 to prepare a report accusing Evolution of illegal activity in restricted markets.
- The Black Cube report was distributed to US regulators and leaked to media in November 2021; Evolution has consistently denied the allegations.
- New Jersey DGE and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board investigated and found no evidence; New Jersey Superior Court later called the report “not truthful” and “objectively baseless.”
- Evolution alleges the campaign was anti-competitive and claims multi‑billion‑dollar damage to its business and reputation.
- Playtech says the investigation was lawful and aimed at verifying serious regulatory concerns; it disputes the “smear campaign” characterisation.
- Black Cube was reportedly paid over £1.8 million; law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky received around $33,700 for submitting the report to regulators.
- Playtech shares fell more than 30% after the revelation; the legal battle is expected to run through 2026 as discovery continues.
Why should I read this?
Quick and dirty: this is big industry drama. Two heavyweight gaming tech firms are duking it out in court after a hired‑gun report blew up into regulatory probes and a major reputational fight. If you follow iGaming, supplier relationships, M&A risk or market trust, this could matter to share prices, contracts and future regulator scrutiny — so worth a skim (or a proper read if you deal with partners or compliance).
