NJ Judge Denies Penalties in Evolution vs Playtech Legal Dispute
Judge Rules No Discovery Violation by Black Cube in Evolution Case
A New Jersey Superior Court judge has declined Evolution AB’s request to penalize investigative firm Black Cube in a widely followed legal battle within the online gambling industry. Evolution sought sanctions against Black Cube, alleging the company failed to disclose financial ties related to its work for Playtech PLC, a competitor. However, the court found that Black Cube did not intentionally violate discovery orders.
Judge John C. Porto of Atlantic County explained that the September discovery order only covered information known at that time. Evolution was already aware of Black Cube’s initial 2021 investigation that resulted in a report submitted to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Further revelations about additional contracts and payments surfaced later during testimony by Dr. Avi Yanus, Black Cube’s director.
According to the judge, Black Cube’s responses were reasonable given the scope of the original inquiry, and the new evidence emerged beyond what was originally mandated. As a result, no penalties were imposed, although Evolution has the option to revisit these issues in the future. The court also ruled that questioning of Dr. Yanus should proceed.
Evolution Advances $14 Billion Damage Claim Amid Failed Sanctions Motion
Evolution argued that Black Cube intentionally withheld information and requested legal fees and harsher sanctions. Black Cube countered, stating they complied fully with the court’s directives, and noted that Evolution’s demands included records covering investigative activities from 2022 to 2025, a period not covered by the initial order.
The dispute began in 2021 when Evolution filed a lawsuit against law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky and attorney Ralph J. Marra. The suit alleges an investigative report contained misleading statements suggesting that Evolution engaged in illegal activities and mismanaged funds, claims which Evolution asserts were intended to damage its reputation. Black Cube was later added as a defendant.
Regulatory authorities found no evidence supporting the report’s allegations, yet Evolution maintains the case has caused substantial financial harm, estimating losses exceeding $14 billion. Despite failing to obtain sanctions, Evolution emphasized that this outcome does not weaken their primary lawsuit and welcomed the continuation of witness examinations.
This ruling marks a significant development in an ongoing legal conflict that has unsettled investor confidence and negatively affected share values in the gambling technology sector. Industry experts warn that without settlement, the litigation could extend for years.
