Playtech Identified as Client in Black Cube Smear Campaign
On October 21, 2025, Evolution AB revealed that Playtech Software Limited, a subsidiary of Playtech Plc, had hired Black Cube, a controversial investigation firm, to create a defamatory report against the company. The report, which was based on false claims about Evolution's business practices, was designed to damage the company’s reputation and hinder its competitive standing.
Evolution AB, the world’s leading B2B provider of online casino games, announced that Playtech paid Black Cube £1.8 million to fabricate and distribute the damaging report. The defamatory report was leaked to the media and submitted to various regulators. Despite being rejected by regulators and found to be baseless by the New Jersey Superior Court, the report resulted in significant reputational harm and multi-billion-dollar losses for Evolution.
Unethical Methods Used by Black Cube
Black Cube, known for its use of unethical tactics, secretly recorded conversations with current and former Evolution employees. The firm used false identities and disguises to conduct the interviews. These tactics allowed Black Cube to selectively edit and cherry-pick segments of the recordings, which were then used to create a misleading narrative that harmed Evolution’s reputation.
In response, Evolution AB filed a lawsuit against Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, the law firm that represented Black Cube, accusing them of defamation, trade libel, and fraud. The court found that the report lacked veracity and was designed to cause harm to Evolution’s business.
Key Events in the Timeline
In December 2020, Playtech hired Black Cube to conduct an investigation into Evolution, with the intent of producing a report containing false allegations. Black Cube conducted its investigation throughout 2021, engaging in deceitful tactics such as secretly recording conversations with Evolution employees and board members. The firm used disguises and falsified identities during these interactions, which were later edited to create a misleading report.
In November 2021, the defamatory report was submitted to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) by Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, who also leaked the report to various media outlets, including Bloomberg. This resulted in widespread publication of inaccurate and damaging claims.
On December 14, 2021, Evolution AB filed a lawsuit in New Jersey against Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and the parties responsible for the defamatory report. The lawsuit accused them of defamation, fraud, and other illegal activities. Evolution was determined to prove that the report had caused significant harm to the company’s business.
Court Findings and the Identification of Playtech
After years of litigation, in February 2025, the New Jersey Superior Court ordered Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP to reveal the identity of the client behind the defamatory report. This led to the revelation that Playtech was the party behind commissioning the report. The court’s findings stated that the report was “not truthful” and had caused damage to Evolution’s business. Despite these findings, Black Cube continues to withhold certain documents, failing to comply with the court’s discovery orders.
The court also dismissed the allegations made in the report, with both the NJDGE and PGCB clearing Evolution of any wrongdoing. NJDGE concluded that there was “no evidence” that Evolution had engaged in illegal activities or made inappropriate payments.
Legal Actions Moving Forward
With Playtech now officially identified as the client behind the defamatory campaign, Evolution plans to amend its lawsuit to include Playtech as a defendant. The ongoing litigation is expected to extend into 2026, with Evolution AB continuing its efforts to hold both Playtech and Black Cube accountable for the extensive damage caused by the defamatory report.