Playtech-Evolution Dispute Deepens After Report Release

Playtech’s legal dispute with Evolution has gained another dimension following the release of a previously confidential report that was commissioned by the Swedish gambling supplier.

The document, prepared by Spectrum Gaming Group, examined accusations surrounding Evolution after Playtech hired intelligence company Black Cube to investigate the business. Playtech has now pointed to findings in the report that it says support parts of Black Cube’s earlier investigation.

Spectrum raised concerns about the availability of Evolution games in prohibited markets, the regulatory consequences of those practices and the supplier’s monitoring of operators. The report also examined whether Evolution had taken sufficient action after allegations about its activities emerged.

“For months, Evolution has publicly characterised the Spectrum Report as exonerating it. Yet, at the same time, Evolution consistently refused to make the report available to the public,” Playtech told markets.

The report became public through proceedings in New Jersey after Evolution had sought to keep it confidential on commercial and confidentiality grounds.

Report Examines Prohibited-Market Activity

Spectrum said it could “specifically corroborate” claims that Evolution games were accessible and generating revenue in prohibited locations. The locations identified in the material included Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, the report did not establish that Evolution had engaged in illegal practices. Spectrum also rejected allegations involving cash payments and the use of Evolution games in sanctioned countries.

For accusations involving Iran, Syria and Sudan, Spectrum was unable to “confirm or refute”the claims. Playtech said the report lacked sufficient information because Evolution had not supplied significant data requested during the review.

Spectrum also found that Evolution had failed to take proactive steps to ensure customer-facing operators complied with contractual requirements. According to the report, the company had not taken remedial action to block particular sites or jurisdictions or enforce relevant contractual provisions after the allegations surfaced.

The report further identified concerns involving virtual currencies, including wagers that had not triggered enhanced due diligence.

Long-Running Dispute Faces Further Scrutiny

The dispute between the companies dates to 2020, when Playtech commissioned Black Cube to investigate Evolution. The resulting allegations became public in 2021, prompting Evolution to describe the investigation as a “smear campaign”.

Evolution subsequently commissioned Spectrum to examine the accusations. In October 2025, court proceedings revealed that Playtech had paid £1.8m for the original investigation, after which Playtech shares fell about 25% during the trading session.

The legal case continues in New Jersey. Evolution also sought to add Playtech as a defendant in April.

Regulatory scrutiny has continued separately. The UK Gambling Commission agreed a £4.75m settlement with Evolution after finding that its games had been accessible through several unlicensed UK operators. The Commission had also examined shortcomings involving anti-money laundering and customer due diligence controls and considered suspending Evolution’s licence.

Evolution has declined to comment on the latest court filings. It has previously said its litigation seeks to hold Playtech and Black Cube “accountable for its wrongdoing” and protect shareholder value.

Source:

“Playtech’s legal spat with rival deepens after publication of secret report”, cityam.com, September 9, 2026