Investigative firm Black Cube has filed a new motion to dismiss Evolution’s legal challenge and end the long-running legal saga. While this move is unlikely to succeed, it could mark another significant milestone in the legal battle. Evolution may also get another chance to involve rival Playtech as an additional defendant.
Evolution Remains Adamant About Pursuing the Lawsuit
According to a recent Next.io report, Black Cube has asked the court to dismiss Evolution’s challenge under New Jersey’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA), the state’s anti-SLAPP law. The hearing is scheduled for November 16. Analysts do not expect an immediate decision. An official ruling could arrive in several weeks, and both sides can appeal.
The dispute dates back to 2021, when a Black Cube report accused Evolution of offering its games in restricted markets. The allegations caused the live casino provider’s share price to crater and prompted the company to take legal action. The case drew significant industry attention after it was revealed that Playtech was the mysterious entity behind the Black Cube investigation.
Since then, court filings have revealed more about Playtech’s involvement in the contentious report. Evolution claims that the rival company helped create and circulate the document as part of a deliberate attempt to sabotage its business. Playtech has rejected these allegations, insisting that Black Cube’s findings raised legitimate concerns that deserved deeper scrutiny.
Black Cube Points to the Spectrum Report
Evolution initially tried to involve Playtech in the proceedings by filing an amended complaint in April. However, a New Jersey judge denied the request in June. Playtech now insists that Evolution’s lawsuit against Black Cube aims to divert attention from the report’s original allegations. Depending on the result of the latest dismissal motion, Evolution may get another chance to involve Playtech as an additional defendant.
The UPEPA challenge could mark another important milestone. Black Cube argues that recent discoveries support its 2021 report. A report by gambling research firm Spectrum Gaming Group, commissioned by Evolution, is at the center of these claims. Black Cube also contends that Evolution’s settlement with the UK Gambling Commission further supports its claims.
Although the Playtech-Evolution dispute continues to evolve, it remains unclear when it will reach trial. If Evolution becomes a defendant during discovery, the company could face stringent disclosure requirements and questions about sensitive areas of its business. However, any such developments must wait for a verdict regarding the November hearing.