A New Jersey court has officially denied a motion filed by live casino supplier Evolution to add rival Playtech as a primary defendant in its long running defamation lawsuit.
The complex litigation stems from a controversial 2021 private intelligence report that alleged the company operated illegally inside prohibited international markets.
According to a formal court order issued on June 5 by the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic County, Judge John Porto officially denied Evolution’s motion for leave to file a second amended complaint. The judge also simultaneously denied its request to lift a legal stay previously imposed under New Jersey’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA). Both motions were denied without prejudice. This specific designation represents a procedural setback for Evolution, but it does not prevent the company from renewing its request at a later stage of the proceedings.
Evolution moved in April to bring Playtech into the lawsuit. The case originated when law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky filed a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement based on an investigative report prepared by private intelligence firm Black Cube. Following the complaint, Evolution lost more than $3 billion in market value. The company later sued the law firm, alleging the text was inaccurate, false, and defamatory.
In February 2024, the regulator concluded its investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing by Evolution. Court filings in 2025 revealed Playtech as the unnamed client that hired Black Cube. Evolution subsequently alleged that Playtech orchestrated a campaign to damage its reputation and competitive position in North America. The April filing included allegations of trade libel, fraud, and racketeering, naming Playtech CEO Mor Weizer in connection with statements made to investors.
Playtech completely rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless. Legal sources indicate the decision was procedural and related to ongoing anti SLAPP proceedings under UPEPA. A hearing is scheduled for November, where retired US District Judge Robert B Kugler will serve as a special adjudicator to help resolve discovery disputes.
