In a press release, Evolution says it has uncovered proof that Playtech was behind a secretive campaign against it in 2021. According to court documents, Playtech hired Black Cube — a private intelligence firm — to create and spread a report designed to damage Evolution’s reputation and business. The disclosure came after years of litigation in New Jersey, where Evolution continues to pursue its case. The Playtech Black Cube scandal has now moved into a new phase.

  • Shortly after the announcement, Playtech shares declined by approximately 30%.

  • Playtech allegedly paid over £1.8 million to Black Cube for the campaign. The intelligence firm reportedly posed as third parties to interview current and former Evolution staff, using disguises and false identities. These conversations were recorded and edited to create what Evolution describes as a “fabricated narrative.” The resulting report, distributed to U.S. gaming regulators and leaked to the press, accused Evolution of regulatory breaches. Two state regulators, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, later found no evidence to support the claims. The New Jersey Superior Court also determined the report lacked truth and credibility.

  • Evolution’s statement condemned Playtech’s actions, calling them “deeply disturbing.” The company said it suffered billions in damages to its reputation and business. “We will continue to hold Playtech and all the other players in this defamatory scheme responsible,” Evolution said.

  • The  campaign dates back to December 2020, when Playtech executives, including CEO Mor Weizer, allegedly coordinated with Black Cube. Emails and invoices uncovered in court reportedly link Playtech directly to the project.

  • In November 2021, the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP sent the report to gaming regulators, amplifying the false claims. Around the same time, Bloomberg published details from the report, triggering further media coverage based on the same misleading material. Evolution sued Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and unnamed co-conspirators in December 2021 for defamation, trade libel, and fraud. The company has since amended its lawsuit several times as new information came to light.

  • By early 2024, U.S. regulators had closed their inquiries, confirming that Evolution had not taken illegal bets or breached licensing rules. However, the damage from the 2021 media fallout had already been done.

  • In September 2025, a New Jersey judge described Black Cube’s report as “objectively baseless” and “self-serving.” The court ordered Black Cube to reveal its client, which it resisted until its appeal was rejected. Playtech has now been publicly identified as that client.

  • Evolution plans to add Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing New Jersey lawsuit. The case is expected to continue through 2026 as the company seeks accountability for what it calls a calculated attempt to harm its standing in the gaming industry.

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