Judge John C. Porto has rejected an attempt to delay the unmasking of the anonymous entities behind an attempted 2021 takedown of Evolution.
The mystery entities behind an attempted 2021 takedown of Evolution will be unmasked today (7 March) after a New Jersey judge denied an attempt to delay the order.
Judge John C. Porto has denied Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP’s motion to stay the unmasking of the investigative firm that compiled the 2021 prohibited markets report, which resulted in billions in value being wipe from Evolution’s share price, and the entity which ultimately commissioned it.
This is earlier than initially expected, with a court update yesterday stating the decision on the matter would take place by 28 March.
NEXT.io understands the order means the unmasking will take place as per the original schedule published last week, which means that the live casino giant should have the names later today.
The order followed Evolution being cleared from the allegations in the report by two state gaming regulators in 2024, which the judge highlighted in his order last week.
Alongside the denial of the stay, judge Porto also ruled the discovery end date, or the final deadline for both parties to produce all documents and depositions in the case, would be 31 December 2025.
The ruling marks the final twist in a years-long discovery battle that has consumed the case since it was first initiated in December 2021.
This included at one point an appellate court ruling whether the identities of the groups responsible should be unveiled depended on the “veracity” of the report and remanding the matter back down for the lower court to untangle.
Evolution seeks multi-billion-dollar judgement
Following the unmasking, Evolution will be free to pursue its defamation case, with the business seeking a multi-billion-dollar ruling, according to court documents.
This may involve the identities of the report’s authors being revealed in future court filings, or potentially at trial — though a settlement could potentially keep a lid on the information.
If the case is not settled, this would likely take place in 2026 following the deadline for completion of the discovery process.
These exact identities have been the subject of intense industry speculation, with many believing an Evolution competitor is ultimately responsible.
NEXT.io has heard from multiple sources, including one present in an internal investor meeting, the group which compiled the report is a major online gaming supplier.
However, contradictory information has been reported by other outlets which suggest an operator or potentially other actor could be responsible.
Evolution declined to comment on the matter when contacted by NEXT.io.