Key Moments:
- Playtech has been identified as the company that funded Black Cube’s “prohibited markets” report against Evolution.
- Court proceedings confirmed Playtech paid approximately £1.8 million for the covert investigation and report.
- Evolution intends to add Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing defamation lawsuit, which may continue into 2026.
Legal Pursuit Unveils Source Behind 2021 Report
After years of speculation, it has been disclosed that Playtech orchestrated the 2021 report accusing Evolution of operating in restricted markets. This revelation ends a prolonged period of industry rumors and legal challenges that originated from the distribution of the report to regulators and media outlets in late 2021. Evolution argued that these allegations were baseless and deliberately crafted to harm its standing.
Following multiple appearances before the New Jersey Supreme Court, the source was finally exposed earlier this month, confirming Playtech’s critical role in the matter.
$EVO has officially identified Playtec behind the Black Cube report.$PTEC paid Black Cube over £1.8M to fabricate a false report. $EVO will now add $PTC to the lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/9D240FIL6Y
— StockOpine (@Stock_Opine) October 21, 2025
Corporate Tactics and Project Execution
The investigation detailed that Playtech, including CEO Mor Weizer, maintained direct communication with Black Cube, known for its discreet intelligence work. To mask their involvement and enhance the report’s legitimacy, Playtech enlisted the US law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP for approximately $33,700 as the public face of the findings. Additionally, the public relations firm HeraldPR was paid $10,000 to handle media relations.
These efforts culminated in a report that was ultimately dismissed by regulators due to insufficient supporting evidence. Despite the dismissal, Evolution faced heavy reputational harm.
Investigative Methods and Their Impact
Court records reveal Black Cube agents used a variety of deceptive practices such as posing as investors, consultants, and representatives of a fictitious billionaire in the gaming industry. Accounts describe the use of disguises, including wigs and fake beards, and covering associated travel expenses in cash to avoid detection. Information obtained via these tactics was compiled and edited to support the claims against Evolution.
The outcome was a persuasive yet misleading dossier that cast negative spotlight on Evolution.
Continued Legal Action and Industry Ramifications
With the exposure of Playtech’s involvement, Evolution has accused its rival and associated organizations of launching a campaign to inflict substantial reputational and financial damage. Plans are underway to include Playtech as a defendant in the active defamation suit, which may extend into 2026. The court has already ruled that the claims in the report were inaccurate and unsupported.
Meanwhile, Black Cube has defended its investigative process, claiming the findings were legitimate and corroborated by recordings, but has withheld the identities of its operatives due to safety concerns.
| Entity | Role | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cube | Intelligence Gathering | £1,800,000 |
| Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP | Legal Front for Report | $33,700 |
| HeraldPR | Media Management | $10,000 |
Industry Repercussions
The revelation that Playtech funded an undercover intelligence campaign against a competitor has introduced considerable unrest within the gambling sector. The episode has led to intensified scrutiny regarding ethical standards in the industry, highlighting the extent to which some companies may go when significant market interests are at stake.
According to NEXT.io, Evolution remains focused on pursuing accountability and reinforcing standards of integrity throughout the industry. As legal proceedings advance, the controversy surrounding the Black Cube operation continues to influence perceptions within the iGaming community.
- Author
Daniel Williams
