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(AsiaGameHub) –   In a recent submission to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Evolution sought approval to officially include Playtech and multiple related entities as defendants in its ongoing defamation case. This action intensifies a lawsuit that has already garnered industry-wide attention due to its expanding scope and the substantial harm it has inflicted.

Evolution Alleges the Report Was a Deliberate Attack

The current disagreement revolves around a report created several years ago by Black Cube, a contentious investigative firm hired to examine Evolution’s business practices. Evolution asserts that the report was a well-orchestrated effort intended to undermine its standing in key markets, particularly in North America. The company estimates the report led to losses exceeding $14 billion.

For nearly four years, Playtech spent millions of dollars in legal fees to conceal its involvement in this smear campaign and avoid accountability.

Evolution statement

Per the revised complaint, Playtech commissioned the report and played a direct role in crafting and spreading its findings. Evolution states that the initiative went beyond defamation, charging its rival with trade libel, fraud, and even racketeering. The firm contends the campaign was designed to draw regulatory attention and potentially impact its operating licenses.

U.S. regulatory assessments form the basis of Evolution’s argument. The company noted that two state-level investigations refuted key claims in the report. Evolution insists the document continued to circulate despite these revelations, causing lasting harm. It also asserts that Juda Engelmayer, another defendant, used his firm to promote the findings even after their accuracy became questionable.

Playtech Stands Prepared to Defend Its Stance

As of now, the court has not yet ruled whether Evolution can broaden its complaint as requested. Playtech has nevertheless responded to the accusations, justifying its decision to commission the report. According to the company, the document raises valid concerns. Playtech framed the lawsuit as an attempt by Evolution to deflect scrutiny rather than address uncomfortable questions about its operations.

Playtech also stated it welcomes further court examination. This will include a discovery process, where internal documents and testimony could shed more light on both sides’ claims. The company plans to defend itself vigorously, trusting that the legal process will validate the report’s credibility.

Playtech will defend itself against Evolution’s claims and will continue to act in the best interests of industry operators, suppliers, and regulators as well as its shareholders.

Playtech statement

The dispute underscores how growing competition in the gaming technology sector can lead to long-lasting tensions as leading companies strive to strengthen their positions in regulated markets. Evolution and Playtech are two of the primary suppliers in the U.S. and Northern Europe, putting them directly against each other as they vie for some of the industry’s most valuable jurisdictions.