Playtech Exposed as the Mystery Client Behind the Damaging Evolution Report

Summary

A New Jersey court filing has identified Playtech as the anonymous client that commissioned the controversial 2021 Black Cube report aimed at discrediting live casino operator Evolution. The report accused Evolution of supplying products to blacklisted jurisdictions; those claims were later shown to be unfounded by US state regulators and the New Jersey Superior Court.

Evolution says Black Cube used deceptive tactics — posing as investors or business partners, covertly recording and editing interviews — to manufacture a false narrative. Court records allege direct contact between senior Playtech executives, including CEO Mor Weizer, and Black Cube during the investigation. Playtech reportedly paid Black Cube more than £1.8 million for the operation.

Key Points

New Jersey court filing names Playtech as the client behind Black Cube’s 2021 report targeting Evolution.
Regulators and courts found the report lacked factual basis; Evolution says material was manipulated.
Black Cube allegedly used deceptive methods — false identities, covert recordings and edited interviews.
Playtech is reported to have paid over £1.8 million for the operation and is now exposed as the commissioning party.
Playtech shares plunged 39% after the revelation, wiping about £400 million of market value.
Evolution intends to pursue substantial damages for defamation, trade libel and interference with business relations; Playtech faces possible major legal and financial consequences.

Context and relevance

This disclosure closes a multi-year mystery that centred on reputational warfare in the gambling industry and the use of private intelligence contractors. It highlights risks around third-party investigative campaigns, potential regulatory fallout, and corporate governance questions — notably whether shareholders were informed about the risks of commissioning such operations. The case may set precedents for liability when competitors use covert investigations to influence markets and regulators.

Why should I read this?

Because it’s messy, important and affects how big gambling firms fight each other. If you care about market integrity, corporate risk or who’s spending millions to smear rivals, this is the story that explains the how and the fallout — fast.