Evolution AB is deploying a new tactic in its legal dispute concerning an investigation into its business practices by an independent business intelligence firm.
The Swedish gaming technology giant plans to file a request in a New Jersey Superior Court to amend a complaint by adding Playtech as a defendant in its active defamation lawsuit against Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP.
Evolution is suing Calcagni & Kanefsky after Playtech hired private intelligence firm Black Cube to commission a report on Evolution’s business practices. The report was sent to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) in 2021 by Calcagni & Kanefsky. It claimed Evolution operated illegally in several markets, including China, Iran and Sudan.
The DGE and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board initiated their own investigations into Evolution, with the probes ultimately leading to no enforcement action against the company.
“It continues to be disappointing that a direct competitor would go to such extreme lengths to orchestrate a covert campaign designed to harm our business and avoid competing fairly in the marketplace,” said Evolution in a statement.
“We are formally naming Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are clear: Playtech hired Black Cube to create and publicize a defamatory report designed to harm Evolution, all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its role”.
Playtech’s role in Black Cube report
Playtech reportedly paid Black Cube approximately $2.4m to investigate Evolution after the intelligence firm revealed the name of its client in a New Jersey Superior Court. Now, Evolution is attempting to add Playtech as a defendant in its lawsuit against Calcagni & Kanefsky for commissioning and publishing a defamatory report about its business.
Evolution alleges the report was commissioned to eliminate competition in the U.S.
As a result, Evolution is accusing Playtech of trade libel, fraud and racketeering in the amended complaint. In addition to Playtech, Evolution is also requesting to add public relations and crisis communications expert Juda Engelmayer and others as defendants.
Its amended complaint also alleges that Playtech Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer withheld information from shareholders.
“We are confident in our rigorous compliance policies and practices, and that the facts in this case are on our side,” continued Evolution. “We look forward to holding Playtech, Black Cube, and all their accomplices accountable for the harm they have caused”.
Playtech has responded to Evolution’s request by claiming that its hiring of Black Cube and the investigation were fair, permissible, and that the dispute is a “contingent liability”.
“As previously announced, Playtech stands by both the decision to commission the report at the center of Evolution’s claims and the validity of its findings,” said Playtech.
“Evolution continues to seek to avoid legitimate scrutiny rather than addressing longstanding questions about its own conduct, including its decision to supply operators in both illegal and sanctioned markets and to support unlicensed operators in regulated markets”.
Playtech conducts business as usual
Playtech is continuing to solidify its footprint in the U.S. gaming market amid its ongoing dispute with Evolution concerning the company’s business practices. In 2025, the company’s revenue in the U.S. and Canada grew by 71% year-over-year.
Playtech attributed the growth to strong activity from customers who use DraftKings, FanDuel, Hard Rock, and Delaware North’s online casino brands. Playtech is also poised to benefit from the launch of online casino gaming in Maine later this year.
Its plans in the U.S. will not be impacted by Evolution’s claims against the company.
“Playtech will defend itself vigorously against Evolution’s claims and will continue to act in the best interests of industry operators, suppliers and regulators as well as its shareholders,” continued the British gambling software and content provider.
