Key Moments:
- Documents published on 3 November 2025 detailed Playtech’s contracts with Black Cube, linking payments to actions against Evolution.
- Regulatory investigations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania were launched following the publication of a critical report, with Playtech paying Black Cube £675,000 after achieving related milestones.
- Legal costs borne by Playtech have reached several million pounds, with ongoing payments documented through October 2025.
Legal Disclosures Shine Light on Playtech’s Collaboration with Black Cube
On 3 November 2025, court documents released in New Jersey offered a rare look inside the strategic actions undertaken by Playtech involving investigations against Evolution. Moreover, these records showed that Playtech entered two specific contracts with the private intelligence firm Black Cube, one in December 2020 and a second in June 2022. Each arrangement, furthermore, defined precise objectives—referred to as ‘success criteria’—that would trigger substantial payments.
Alleged Unfair Competition and Fictitious Report
During court proceedings on 21 October 2025, Evolution publicly accused Playtech of unfair competitive practices. Furthermore, it was revealed that a Playtech subsidiary instructed Black Cube to create and distribute a fabricated report targeting Evolution, containing accusations of unauthorized activity and intended to damage Evolution’s standing. This document, dated 2021, was later revealed to represent only a fraction of broader, extended efforts. Consequently, the accusations sparked intense debate over the limits of corporate intelligence work in the gaming sector.
Payment Structure and Success Criteria
Two contracts set out milestone-triggered payouts from Playtech to Black Cube. According to Casino News Daily, the December 2020 agreement included:
| Success Criteria | Bonus Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Evidence of Evolution wrongdoing | 150,000 |
| Major media publication | 175,000 |
| Regulator launches an investigation | 350,000 |
| Revocation of Evolution’s license | 500,000 |
The June 2022 contract expanded potential rewards:
| Success Criteria | Bonus Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Further publication in major media | 150,000 |
| License revocation (additional) | 200,000 |
Court documents show Playtech paid Black Cube £675,000 following the achievement of the first three objectives. This followed Bloomberg’s publication of editorial articles and the initiation of regulatory investigations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania—though those probes were later closed. If Evolution’s license had been revoked, total payments to Black Cube could have surpassed £1 million.
Reimbursement of Legal Expenses
The initial contract also stipulated that Black Cube would reimburse Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP for court-related expenses, while Playtech would, in turn, reimburse Black Cube. Publicly available documents indicate that Playtech paid about £1 million to Black Cube after December 2021, not including the reimbursement for legal costs.
In October 2025 testimony, a Calcagni & Kanefsky representative described Playtech as an “excellent client” that consistently meets its financial obligations. Regular invoicing from Black Cube to Playtech has continued since 2021, covering both legal costs and additional post-report services, with invoices directed to the company’s general counsel. These payments were ongoing as of October 2025.
A professional from Calcagni & Kanefsky assessed overall legal cost reimbursements from Playtech at several million pounds, with an additional £1 million for continuing work. He confirmed that payments in September and October were consistent with recent invoices, and Black Cube maintains its collaboration with Playtech’s legal counsel.
Controversial Intelligence Methods and Client Response
Testimony suggested Black Cube operatives deployed questionable tactics, such as sending undercover agents who concealed their identities as investors, to discreetly extract information from Evolution personnel. A company founder defended these measures as necessary: “the only way to find out the truth.”
On 22 October, Black Cube responded to SiGMA News, highlighting satisfaction with outcomes and declaring—in coordination with their client—“the case is entering a decisive stage, when years of intelligence work will finally be made public and thoroughly examined.”
Playtech CEO Mor Weiser and four colleagues have reportedly communicated directly with Black Cube. According to a statement given to NEXT.io, “it has not been established that the allegations in the Black Cube report are false,” and the company stands behind ongoing legal proceedings, expressing confidence in its position.
Ongoing Legal Fallout and Industry Impact
This litigation unfolds alongside continuing allegations that Evolution remains active in restricted markets as of October 2025. The resolution of these proceedings could have a meaningful impact on both companies’ reputations and holds potential consequences for gambling regulation in the United States.
- Author
Daniel Williams
