Mar 31, 2026 | 5:05 am
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A New Jersey Superior Court has denied Evolution AB’s request to expand its ongoing defamation lawsuit by adding Playtech Plc as a defendant. The ruling keeps Playtech outside the current case structure, although the broader legal dispute tied to a 2021 investigative report remains active.
The order, issued in Atlantic County Superior Court, rejected Evolution’s motion to file a second amended complaint. The company had attempted to broaden its case after earlier proceedings linked Playtech to the commissioning of a private intelligence investigation conducted by Black Cube.
Dispute linked to 2021 investigative report
The lawsuit originates from a report produced in 2021 that alleged wrongdoing by Evolution in multiple international markets, including claims involving prohibited jurisdictions. The report was submitted to regulators in New Jersey by the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, which is the primary defendant in the case.
Evolution argues that the report was part of a coordinated effort to damage its reputation and disrupt its competitive position in North America. The company claims Playtech financed and directed the investigation carried out by Black Cube.
In its motion, Evolution sought to add Playtech as well as additional parties, including public relations consultant Juda Engelmayer. The company also alleged that Playtech’s involvement included defamation, fraud, trade libel, and racketeering-related conduct.
Evolution has also stated that Playtech allegedly paid around $2.4 million to Black Cube to conduct the investigation and produce the report.
The company described its position in strong terms, stating:
“It continues to be disappointing that a direct competitor would go to such extreme lengths to orchestrate a covert campaign designed to harm our business and avoid competing fairly in the marketplace. We are formally naming Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are clear: Playtech hired Black Cube to create and publicize a defamatory report designed to harm Evolution, all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its role. For nearly four years, Playtech spent millions of dollars in legal fees to conceal its involvement in this smear campaign and avoid accountability.”
Playtech has rejected these allegations, stating that its engagement with Black Cube was a legitimate investigative step and denying any coordinated campaign against Evolution.
Procedural ruling and anti-SLAPP context
Multiple legal sources cited in the proceedings indicate that the court’s decision was procedural. It is connected to Black Cube’s attempt to dismiss the case under New Jersey’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA), an anti-SLAPP law.
Because of this procedural context, the ruling does not permanently prevent Evolution from attempting to add Playtech later, depending on how the broader case develops.
The court also denied Evolution’s request for relief from the UPEPA stay. A hearing is scheduled for November 2026, where Evolution, Black Cube, and Calcagni & Kanefsky are expected to present arguments related to the disputed report.
Discovery rulings and court oversight
Judge John C. Porto approved Black Cube’s request for additional transcripts and recordings tied to communications with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). These materials relate to the regulator’s earlier investigation into the allegations made in the report.
However, the court rejected broader requests for additional recordings outside the scope of the DGE inquiry, as well as further discovery connected to other Black Cube investigations.
To handle remaining disputes, the court appointed retired U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler as a special adjudicator. He will oversee unresolved discovery issues, including matters related to Evolution’s internal review conducted with third-party assistance. His compensation is set at $900 per hour.
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Regulatory findings and industry developments
The dispute traces back to a 2020 investigation allegedly commissioned by Playtech and conducted by Black Cube. The resulting report accused Evolution of operating in restricted jurisdictions, including China, Iran, and Sudan, and was submitted to regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Both the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board launched investigations but did not take enforcement action against Evolution.
Court documents referenced findings from the DGE stating there was “no evidence … showing that Evolution took illegal bets from New Jersey, another state, or any other prohibited jurisdiction,” and “no evidence of inappropriate payments to Evolution by its clients or that Evolution provided devices for customers to illegally use their content.”
Judicial commentary in the case also described the report as “objectively baseless” following regulatory conclusions.
Separately, Playtech continues to expand its North American operations. Its iPoker network has launched in regulated markets including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ontario.
The case remains ongoing, with additional procedural rulings and discovery disputes expected before trial preparation advances.
Source:
“NJ court says Evolution cannot add Playtech to defamation lawsuit”, sbcamericas.com, 16 June 2026