Evolution Reveals Link With Playtech Smear Campaign

A long-running legal battle between Evolution AB and anonymous defendants has reached a turning point after new court findings revealed that Playtech Software Limited—part of Playtech Plc —commissioned a secretive smear campaign against the gaming technology giant.

Evolution said it uncovered through discovery that Playtech paid more than £1.8 million to hire Black Cube, the controversial private intelligence firm, to create and circulate a 2021 report filled with “knowingly false” and damaging accusations. The document, which was later shared with U.S. regulators and leaked to media outlets, was intended to undermine Evolution’s standing in the competitive online gaming market.

“It is deeply disturbing to learn that one of our competitors has gone to such extraordinary lengths to damage our business and reputation,” Evolution stated, condemning the campaign’s scale and motive. The company said the baseless report had caused “multi-billion dollar damage” to its reputation and market value.

Smear Campaign Built on Deception and False Evidence

The 2021 report, submitted to regulators by Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, accused Evolution of illegal gaming activity—a claim swiftly dismissed by authorities. Both the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) concluded there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

According to Evolution, Black Cube fabricated its findings through deceptive tactics. The firm allegedly posed as third parties, recorded conversations without consent, and selectively edited footage to create misleading narratives. Those interviewed under false pretenses—including former Evolution staff and board members—later disavowed the report, saying it distorted their comments.

Black Cube’s involvement extended beyond the investigative phase. The company reportedly paid a U.S. public relations firm to help amplify the false narrative, leading to the publication of damaging articles following Bloomberg’s coverage in November 2021.

Court Rulings Expose Concealed Identities

Evolution filed its lawsuit in December 2021, accusing Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and unknown co-conspirators of defamation, trade libel, fraud, and interference with business relationships. After years of procedural delays and attempts to obscure client identities, the New Jersey Superior Court determined in 2025 that the defendants had “prepared and disseminated false allegations … designed to harm, and did harm” Evolution’s business.

The same ruling ordered disclosure of the parties behind the defamatory report. In April 2025, the law firm admitted Black Cube’s involvement but claimed ignorance of who had commissioned the report. Months later, the court directed Black Cube to reveal its client, calling the 2021 report “objectively baseless” and the firm’s later affidavit “self-serving.” Playtech’s name was finally confirmed following multiple failed appeals by Black Cube.

Playtech Now Added to Ongoing Defamation Case

Evolution has since amended its complaint to formally include Playtech as a defendant. Regulators, meanwhile, closed their inquiries into Evolution without action, confirming that “no evidence” indicated the company had accepted illegal wagers or violated gaming laws.

Although Black Cube continues to resist full compliance with court orders, Evolution said it intends to press forward.

With Playtech’s identity now exposed after years of concealment, the case will advance into a new phase expected to carry through 2026—potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the global gaming sector.

Source:

“Playtech Unmasked as Black Cube Client Behind Defamatory Smear Campaign Targeting Evolution AB”, news.cision.com, Oct 21, 2025