A confidential compliance review commissioned by Evolution and carried out by consultancy Spectrum confirmed the supplier's games were accessible in prohibited Asian markets. The report became public after a court motion by private intelligence firm Black Cube, which investigated Evolution on behalf of competitor Playtech.
Spectrum found significant gaps in Evolution's compliance system. The supplier did not proactively monitor whether client operators met contractual obligations. Evolution earned revenue from operators offering its games in grey zones including Hong Kong and Singapore. Access occurred through downstream operators, not direct provision by Evolution. Wagers were accepted in virtual currencies in situations requiring enhanced customer checks. At the time of the audit, Evolution had not blocked problem sites or imposed penalties for contract breaches.
Black Cube's initial dossier in 2021 alleged Evolution's games were available in prohibited and sanctioned markets. Law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky forwarded the material to regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Both investigations closed in February 2024 without sanctions. New Jersey's regulator stated it found no evidence Evolution approved or substantially benefited from content appearing in banned jurisdictions.
On allegations of operating in US-sanctioned markets Syria and Iran, Spectrum found no direct proof. The consultancy noted it could not confirm or refute part of the claims because Evolution withheld requested data on gaming sessions and revenue from Iran, Syria and Sudan.
Evolution calls the investigation an anti-competitive campaign and declined to comment on the report's disclosure. Playtech denies unfair competition charges and criticises Evolution for years of citing the report as justification without publishing the text. The defamation lawsuit continues.
