In what threatens to be one of the biggest legal disputes within the iGaming industry, Evolution has identified its competitor Playtech as the driving force behind a controversial Black Cube report. The notorious report from 2021 accused Evolution of unethical business conduct. The case has been on-going for years, as it began shortly after the report’s release. However, in September 2025, it reached a new stage, as new details were disclosed.
Court Documents Reveal Playtech’s Role
When the controversial report was first published back in 2021, Evolution was put on blast. Some of the biggest accusations that the report gave include that Evolution was operating unlawfully in restricted jurisdictions and manipulating client data. These claims were soon dismissed by gambling regulators, but by the time that happened, the report had already caused significant damage to Evolution’s reputation.
For years, there have been various rumors and speculations about who commissioned the investigation into Evolution. It seems that we finally have a name, thanks to the recent court filings.
The case documents officially confirmed that Playtech was the primary client who hired Black Cube, an Israeli private intelligence firm, to produce the report.
The New Jersey Superior Court released the unsealed documents a few days ago.
According to Evolution, this revelation confirms the rumors that have been going on for some time, which is that the report was a deliberate attempt to damage its commercial reputation and market standing.
Evolution Issues Strong Statement
Following the document release, Evolution publicly confirmed it will add Playtech to the list of defendants in its ongoing legal action against Black Cube and its representing law firm, Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP.
“It is deeply disturbing to learn that one of our competitors has gone to such extraordinary lengths to damage our business,” Evolution officials stated. Reports suggest the Black Cube project cost Playtech approximately £1.8 million (about $2.2 million).
Background of the Dispute
The controversy traces back to late 2021. In the middle of the pandemic, Black Cube published a file alleging that Evolution had engaged in various forms of misconduct. Some of the accusations included illegal operations in countries such as Iran, China, and Sudan. Of course, Evolution immediately rejected the accusations, finding them preposterous. The company also initiated legal proceedings to uncover who had commissioned the report right away.
The lawsuit’s goal was to identify the source of the funding and coordination behind the campaign. And finally, with the recent unsealing of documents, the case has expanded to include claims for significant reputational and financial damages against Playtech.
Industry Impact and Ongoing Rivalry
Playtech has yet to issue a public response to the allegations. However, industry experts say that, if the involvement is confirmed, this could further intensify the already fierce competition between two of the iGaming sector’s largest live casino providers.
The outcome of the case may have broader implications, potentially setting new legal boundaries for corporate intelligence operations and competitive tactics in the gaming industry.
For now, Evolution’s decision to take direct legal action against Playtech highlights just how high the stakes have become in the global iGaming market. And for Evolution, this lawsuit means that everything is on the line. Stay tuned for more info and updates regarding the legal battle between Evolution and Playtech.
