NEXT.io understands Playtech is likely not yet in the clear, despite a judge blocking Evolution’s bid to add the company to its blockbuster defamation case.
NEXT.io understands Playtech is likely not yet in the clear, despite a judge blocking Evolution’s bid to add the company to its blockbuster defamation case.
Earlier in the month, Judge John C. Porto denied Evolution’s motion to file a second amended complaint that would have seen it name Playtech as a defendant in the well-publicised lawsuit, targeting the groups behind the 2021 prohibited markets report which accused it of wide-ranging misconduct worldwide.
This case captured the industry’s imagination last year after it was revealed private intelligence agency Black Cube put the report together on a contract from Playtech, both stories first reported by NEXT.io.
In April, Evolution filed a motion for permission to file a second amended complaint that named Playtech as a defendant, accusing the supplier of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage its reputation and hinder competition in North America.
Multiple sources familiar with the New Jersey legal system told NEXT.io the judge’s decision to block Playtech’s addition to the case was a procedural matter related to Black Cube’s attempt to dismiss the case under New Jerseys anti-SLAPP law, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA).
As such, the case may either be entirely dismissed after Black Cube’s victory on this matter, or else continue onwards, at which point Evolution could again move to add Playtech to the case.
The hearing into this matter was set for mid-November, with the judge agreeing to Evolution’s demands for additional transcripts and recordings involved in Black Cube’s previous communications to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
These relate to the DGE’s previous probe into Evolution’s alleged activities in prohibited markets. The regulator’s decision to close its investigation without further action was eventually used as the basis for Judge Porto ordering Playtech’s name to be revealed.
However, the judge denied Evolution’s bid to ask for additional recordings not part of the DGE’s investigation and for further discovery related to the private intelligence firm’s other secret investigations into the live casino giant.
Meanwhile, in order to solve the other various outstanding discovery disputes, including one connected to the probe Evolution conducted internally with the help of a third party into the allegations, the Spectrum Report, a special adjudicator will be appointed to make these decisions.
This role will go to retired US district judge Robert B. Kugler, who will be paid $900 per hour for his trouble by the parties, and will be charged with untangling the various ongoing discovery disputes ahead of the trial.