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Court filings reveal Playtech allegedly offered up to £500,000 to private intelligence firm Black Cube to uncover evidence that could lead to Evolution’s gambling licence revocation. Regulators probed the claims but found no wrongdoing.
Playtech Facing Allegations Over Covert Intelligence Contract
Playtech, a major B2B supplier in the iGaming sector, has been accused of signing a covert contract with private intelligence agency Black Cube, offering a tiered “success fee” of up to £500,000 tied to damaging competitor Evolution Gaming.
According to U.S. court documents, the agreement promised increasing payments depending on the outcome:
| Action Achieved | Reported Fee |
|---|---|
| Evidence of wrongdoing found | £150,000 |
| Publication in major media | £175,000 |
| Regulator investigation triggered | £350,000 |
| Evolution licence revoked | £500,000 |
These revelations surfaced during November 2025 legal proceedings in New Jersey.
Covert Intelligence Tactics Alleged
The filings claim Black Cube used undercover operatives, VPNs, false identities and covert recordings to try to prove Evolution’s games were accessible in restricted markets.
The engagement reportedly began in late 2020, with a second agreement signed in mid-2022.
Regulatory Investigations Closed
Following the alleged intelligence operation, regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania launched inquiries into Evolution Gaming’s activities.
However, regulatory bodies later closed the investigations without finding wrongdoing.
Playtech Responds
Playtech has defended its actions, stating it stands by commissioning the report and expects court proceedings to justify its decision.
Industry Impact
The situation raises major industry questions:
- Can private intelligence be used ethically in gambling regulation?
- Where is the line between compliance investigations and corporate sabotage?
- Will regulators introduce clarity on competitive conduct in the iGaming sector?
As litigation continues, this case could set precedents for corporate surveillance, competitive strategy, and compliance enforcement in online gambling markets.
Sources: Next io / Bloomberg
