Evolution Names Playtech Defendant in US Defamation Suit

Evolution AB has filed a request with the Superior Court of New Jersey to add Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing defamation lawsuit, escalating a legal dispute that has been building since 2021.

The amended complaint also names PR executive Juda Engelmayer of HeraldPR and several associated parties. Evolution accuses Playtech of defamation, trade libel, fraud and racketeering, and alleges the company concealed its involvement from shareholders for nearly four years while spending millions in legal fees to do so.

The Allegations

The case centres on a report produced by intelligence contractor Black Cube, commissioned at Playtech’s instruction. The report alleged that Evolution operated illegally in markets including China, Iran and Sudan. It was submitted to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in November 2021.

Both regulators closed their investigations in February 2024 without enforcement action. The NJ DGE found "no evidence … showing that Evolution took illegal bets from New Jersey, another state, or any other prohibited jurisdiction." The court subsequently described the report as "objectively baseless."

Evolution’s amended filing alleges that Playtech agreed to pay Black Cube success fees of approximately £1.5m, contingent on the investigation producing outcomes aligned with Playtech’s commercial objectives — including regulatory scrutiny and negative media coverage. Playtech paid Black Cube a total of approximately $2.4m, according to court disclosures following the identification of Black Cube’s client.

Evolution also names Juda Engelmayer and HeraldPR, alleging they facilitated the distribution of the report to media outlets to maximise reputational damage. The amended complaint further accuses Playtech CEO Mor Weizer of active involvement in the preparation and dissemination of the report.

“We are formally naming Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are clear: Playtech hired Black Cube to create and publicise a defamatory report designed to harm Evolution, all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its role. For nearly four years, Playtech spent millions of dollars in legal fees to conceal its involvement in this smear campaign and avoid accountability.” — Evolution AB

Playtech’s Response

Playtech moved quickly to dismiss the amended complaint, characterising Evolution’s claims as "baseless and without merit." The company stood by its decision to commission the Black Cube report, describing it as a lawful investigation into concerns of regulatory and commercial importance.

“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.” — Playtech

Playtech has consistently characterised the lawsuit as an attempt by Evolution to deflect scrutiny rather than answer questions about its own operations. The company said it welcomes the discovery phase, which will require both parties to disclose internal documents and testimony.

Playtech shares fell over 3% on 9 April following the announcement.

Case Background

Evolution filed the original defamation case in December 2021, initially targeting Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and unnamed parties. Black Cube was later added as a defendant. Playtech’s identity as the commissioning party was disclosed in 2025 following court orders requiring Black Cube to name its client. For a full account of the proceedings to date, see the complete timeline of iGaming’s biggest legal battle.

In a related development last December, a New Jersey judge ordered Evolution to disclose its communications with regulators as the case moved through discovery, a ruling that added further complexity to both parties’ positions.

The Superior Court has yet to rule on whether to allow the amended complaint. If granted, Playtech will formally become a named defendant alongside Calcagni & Kanefsky and Black Cube. The discovery process — covering internal documents and executive testimony from both companies — is now the stage to watch.

Source: Evolution AB