Playtech has pledged to investigate possible instances of IP infringement following dramatic allegations that OnAir Entertainment has been spying on the business.
Playtech has pledged to investigate possible instances of IP infringement following dramatic allegations that OnAir Entertainment has been spying on the business.
The accusations first surfaced in a Friday LinkedIn post written by former OnAir senior product owner Ivans Ivanovs.
Ivanovs claimed that former colleague Igors Veliks had retained access to Playtech’s internal environment after exiting his role at the company’s Euro Live Technologies subsidiary.
NEXT.io has confirmed the veracity of these allegations with multiple sources, including from a second former OnAir senior employee, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Screenshots obtained by NEXT.io appear to corroborate these claims and show Veliks providing both a link and user credentials to the Playtech interface.
Later in the conversation, Veliks stressed the information was reserved for “personal use only” and requested the details not be posted elsewhere.
Entry to this portal is usually reserved for Playtech’s operator partners and commercial collaborators, and not for B2B competitors.
Playtech statement
The anonymous source claimed to have been shown the internal Playtech environment while the London-listed provider was building its Football Card Showdown game.
On the same topic, Ivanovs told NEXT.io he was shown screenshots of Playtech’s Jet Set racing game in February 2023 in the lead up to ICE London.
Despite the fact the game had already been announced by Playtech at this point, Ivanovs alleged the screenshot in question was taken from an internal environment, and not from public promotional material.
“We are aware of the issue involving OnAir Entertainment and are investigating potential IP infringement and other possible claims,” a Playtech spokesperson told NEXT.io. “We are working to fully investigate this matter and will provide an update in due course.”
In an official statement provided to NEXT.io, OnAir Entertainment said: “The OnAir Entertainment Group is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
“In response to the recent allegations raised on LinkedIn, we want to assure our clients and stakeholders that we are taking immediate and decisive action.
“The OnAir Entertainment Group has engaged the services of an independent investigator, to conduct a thorough examination of the allegations.
“As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate, while respecting the confidentiality and privacy of all parties involved.”