Evolution Vindicated After Court Ruling on Smear Case, Playtech the Ones Behind it

A years-long mystery over who orchestrated a damaging campaign against Evolution has finally been solved. A New Jersey court has confirmed that Playtech was the client behind the 2021 smear operation run by private intelligence agency Black Cube. The finding closes one of the most controversial chapters in the gaming industry’s recent history.

Good to Know

• Playtech hired Black Cube in December 2020 for £1.8 million.
• U.S. regulators later found no evidence of wrongdoing by Evolution.
• Playtech shares fell 34% after the court’s confirmation.

The court’s ruling follows a four-year legal battle that began after false claims about Evolution were circulated to gaming regulators and the press. Black Cube’s 2021 report, submitted through law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky, accused Evolution of regulatory misconduct. The allegations triggered intense media coverage, including a Bloomberg article that caused serious reputational damage.

Investigations Dismissed, Truth Revealed

Regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania reviewed the accusations early in 2024 and found no evidence supporting them. Both the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board cleared Evolution entirely.

By February 2025, the New Jersey Superior Court declared that the Black Cube report was “untruthful” and contained false claims. In September, the court ordered Black Cube to disclose the identity of its client. After several appeals, it was confirmed that Playtech had commissioned the operation.

Details from court filings revealed that Black Cube used deceptive methods to gather material. Agents allegedly posed as investors from Sudan and representatives of fictitious consulting firms, arranging meetings with former Evolution employees. During these encounters, they used disguises, alcohol, and secret payments to extract information and manipulate soundbites into misleading narratives.

Reports also suggest that Black Cube hired New York PR agency HeraldPR to coordinate press leaks. Despite mounting evidence, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer refused to provide direct answers about the company’s role during a Q2 earnings call earlier this year.

Evolution CEO Martin Carlesund responded strongly to the court’s findings, saying:

“It takes away a large piece from my belief in fair play, humanity in general, and good ethics.”

Playtech, in a statement to Next.io, denied involvement in any smear campaign. While it did not name Black Cube, the company admitted to hiring “an independent business intelligence firm to investigate credible and repeated concerns.”

The controversy has already hit Playtech’s market position hard, with shares dropping more than 30% during Tuesday morning trading. Evolution, which originally filed suit in December 2021, is now expanding its lawsuit to include Playtech directly. The case is expected to extend into 2026 as both sides prepare for another round in court.

FAQ

What did Playtech hire Black Cube for?

According to the court, Playtech paid Black Cube £1.8 million for intelligence work that ultimately led to false claims about Evolution.

Were the allegations against Evolution proven?

No. Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania regulators found no evidence of misconduct.

How did Black Cube carry out the operation?

Agents allegedly posed as investors, recorded conversations under false pretenses, and used deceptive editing to create misleading reports.

What happens next?

Evolution has added Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing lawsuit, with litigation expected to continue into 2026.

The post Evolution Vindicated After Court Ruling on Smear Case, Playtech the Ones Behind it appeared first on iGaming.org.