Playtech Offered Black Cube a £500k “Success Fee” Over Evolution License

Playtech offered Black Cube a whopping £500,000 to secure the revocation of Evolution's gaming license.

The year is coming to an interesting close with lots of developments, challenges and new creations. Playtech has been caught in a legal battle, and there have been some new developments.

The most recently released court documents revealed that Playtech offered Black Cube £500,000 in “success fees”.

Covert tactics exposed

The legal battle continues with a new dramatic twist to the Playtech vs Evolution battle, revealing that Playtech offered success fees to Black Cube if they successfully revoked one of Evolution’s gaming licenses.

It’s a clear indication of the covert tactics Playtech used in their 2021 investigation into Evolution’s alleged operations within sanctioned markets.

The documentation was revealed during the deposition of Dr Avi Yanus, the sole director of Black Cube. It was submitted to the New Jersey Court at the beginning of November as part of a multi-year defamation case from Evolution against Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP.

It is believed that Black Cube used undercover agents with false identities to record conversations with unaware Evolution executives.

Black Cube in disguise

The agents allegedly posed as representatives of a Sudanese billionaire interested in investing in Nordic tech. This was just one of the many disguises used.

Dr Yanus claimed these covert methods were necessary to ‘reveal truth and get accurate information’ about the alleged misconduct from Evolution.

According to the first letter between Playtech and Black Cube, dated 30th December 2020, the tiered reward structure looked as follows:

£150,000 to uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
£175,000 for securing media coverage.
£350,000 if a regulator launched an investigation.
£500,000 should a license be revoked.

So ultimately, Playtech paid £675,000 after the first three conditions were met.

Based on the information gathered, Bloomberg was the first major outlet to publish the story, and both New Jersey and Pennsylvania regulators initiated inquiries. Both were later closed with a lack of any evidence of wrongdoing.

Under public scrutiny

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s decision to close its investigation had become a pivotal moment in the court’s decision to unmask Playtech and Black Cube as those behind the report.

The judge had described the report as objectively baseless while simultaneously stating that the case is still in its early stages.

Playtech remains firm in its stance despite the increase in pressure. The sources show that a second letter of engagement was signed in 2022, extending the investigation and offering £200,000 for revocation of gaming license and £150,000 additional media coverage.

Black Cube has submitted five investigative gameplay recordings to regulators showing their successful access to Evolution Games from prohibited jurisdictions.

Yet the failed access attempts were omitted. Dr Yanus had confirmed that Playtech was covering all Black Cube’s legal expenses and reimbursing payments made to Calcagni & Kanefsky.

Ethical and industry impact?

These aggressive tactics and financial incentives, clearly shown in the court documents, have become a point of interest. It sparks ethical concerns across the gaming industry.

Critics argue that the selective presentation of evidence and covert surveillance are seriously concerning in terms of fairness and transparency. As the case moves into its decisive phase, the whole industry is paying close attention.

There’s a silent understanding that whatever comes next will have implications and changes for both game providers and the entire industry, which includes changes in regulatory oversight, privacy and more.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: November 24, 2025

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Playtech offered Black Cube a £500k “success fee” over Evolution license

Covert tactics exposed

Black Cube in disguise

Under public scrutiny