Evolution Gaming Accusations
Evolution AB, the parent company of Evolution Gaming, the creator of some of the biggest slot hits ever such as Starburst, Crazy Time, Street Fighter 2, Reel Rush, and Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt, and the leading live dealer business-to-business company in the US is accused of involvement in criminal activity. More specifically, Evolution Gaming is facing charges for providing gambling services in an array of illegal gambling markets. Before filing the lawsuit, a team of private investigators managed to use Evolution Gaming’s live dealer services from several ‘black’ markets. Even more concerning, they managed to place bets from the said illegal markets. As a result, a lawsuit was filed in New Jersey against the iGaming developer. This puts Evolution AB in a rather inconvenient position.
According to Bloomberg, Ralph Mara, senior attorney with Calcagni & Kanefsky is responsible for filing the complaint. In particular, earlier this month he filed the motion with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Some of the accusations are that Evolution Gaming offered its gambling services in both US and non-US states. And in both instances, online gambling was illegal in those countries. Consequently, some of the countries where online gambling is illegal are Iraq, Sudan and Syria.
When asked about the matter, the PR representative of Evolution Gaming did not mince too many words.
Evolution strictly complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Evolution has no direct relationship with the underlying player and no involvement of handling of players’ money.
Carl Linton
Dire Outcome
If the state of New Jersey finds Evolution AB guilty, it may severely damage the company’s reputation and future. Especially since Evolution Gaming is the majority software provider for all three US states where iGaming is legal. These are New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The worrying part is that the company is just beginning its US market campaign. And the fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Evolution Gaming literally exploded with its stocks going up a whopping 450%.
At this moment, everyone waits to hear from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Who are still silent on this matter and Evolution AB’s complaint. Whatever the case, this is a high-profile media case. That is because we rarely see a giant company such as Evolution Gaming suddenly facing criminal charges. For now, the only thing that plays in Evolution Gaming’s favour is the fact that the casino operator is solely responsible for the money from the players.
The provider of the platform, in this instance Evolution, gets money only for providing the logistics and location for the live dealer game. Probably the biggest life-saver for the iGaming developer at the moment.
