A four-year-old corporate report has rekindled conflicts between gaming tech competitors Evolution AB and Playtech PLC, following revelations from a New Jersey court that Playtech funded the document that sparked a defamation case initiated by Evolution.

The Swedish gaming company disclosed on Tuesday that, through court proceedings, it discovered that Playtech Software Limited, a division of Playtech PLC, engaged the intelligence agency Black Cube in 2020 to create and disseminate a report accusing Evolution of illegal operations in restricted markets, including China, Iran, and Sudan—all of which forbid gambling activities. Evolution has consistently refuted these claims.

“It is profoundly troubling to find that one of our competitors has resorted to extreme measures to harm our business and reputation by employing Black Cube and compensating them over £1.8 million to concoct a report they were aware would have damaging consequences,” Evolution stated in its formal communication.

This disclosure followed a court directive necessitating Black Cube to reveal its client’s name, concluding years of speculation on the identity behind the contentious report. This came during ongoing defamation litigation filed by Evolution in New Jersey Superior Court in December 2021 against Black Cube, the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, and unnamed entities, now known to be Playtech.

The report generated by Black Cube and circulated through Calcagni & Kanefsky in November 2021 was presented to regulatory bodies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and subsequently leaked to media channels, including Bloomberg. It accused Evolution of providing gaming services to unauthorized operators and taking bets from prohibited areas.

Regulatory investigations ensued but closed in February 2024 with no actions taken. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) determined “no evidence” of illegality, per court findings. The New Jersey Superior Court later ruled the 2021 report as “false” and “objectively unfounded.”

In its lawsuit, Evolution asserts that Playtech’s conduct was “anti-competitive” and meant to inflict financial damage. The firm alleges Black Cube employed “highly unethical tactics,” including using false personas and covertly recording current and former employees to create misleading evidence backing a planned narrative.

“Black Cube has a well-documented past of utilizing deceitful methods to influence public perception by launching smear campaigns on behalf of its clients,” Evolution further remarked.

Playtech has not disputed commissioning the investigation but contests Evolution’s characterization of it as a smear campaign. “The implication that its [Playtech’s] subsidiary, Playtech Software Limited, engaged in a smear campaign is entirely false and intended to distract from serious concerns regarding Evolution’s business practices,” the company stated to SBC Americas.

“The inquiry was conducted legally to thoroughly investigate and validate significant regulatory and commercial concerns,” the statement continued. Court documents show that Playtech paid Black Cube more than £1.8 million ($2.4 million) for their services, while Calcagni & Kanefsky received approximately $33,700 for submitting the report to U.S. regulators.

Evolution’s initial complaint involves allegations of defamation, trade libel, fraud, and interference with business relationships. The company claims the report inflicted “multi-billion dollar damages” on its reputation and operations. It now intends to formally modify its complaint to include Playtech as a party.

Following the announcement, Playtech’s stock plummeted over 30%, reaching its lowest point since early 2020. Conversely, Evolution’s shares remained comparatively stable on the Stockholm exchange.

Despite extensive litigation, Evolution insists that substantial evidence remains unreleased. “While Playtech has finally been disclosed as the entity trying to conceal its role in this smear campaign, Black Cube continues to flout the Court’s discovery orders by withholding pertinent information,” Evolution commented.

“We will relentlessly pursue accountability for Black Cube, Playtech, and all others involved in this defamatory scheme,” the firm insisted.

Attempts by Black Cube to block disclosures failed in September 2025, as ruled by the New Jersey Appellate Division and the state’s Supreme Court. The case, which now includes Playtech, is anticipated to advance into 2026.

Playtech has affirmed its commitment to the investigation: “Evolution continues to evade legitimate scrutiny rather than addressing longstanding queries regarding its operations, including its choice to supply services to illegal markets and to back unlicensed operators in regulated jurisdictions.”