New Jersey Court Rules in Favor of Evolution, Orders Disclosure of Anonymous Accuser
In a significant legal victory, Evolution AB, a leading provider of live casino games, has won a New Jersey court ruling that grants the company the right to uncover the identity of individuals behind a damaging 2021 report. The decision could mark a turning point in Evolution’s efforts to clear its name after allegations of unlicensed gambling operations impacted its stock value by $3 billion.
Background of the Case
In 2021, an anonymous report alleged that Evolution’s products were accessible in jurisdictions lacking regulated gambling frameworks. The claims were severe enough to cause a significant financial hit to the company, triggering an internal investigation and a separate regulatory review by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Evolution has consistently denied the allegations, stating that the report was misleading and aimed at damaging its reputation. After an independent review, the New Jersey DGE found no evidence that Evolution had engaged in illegal activities, strengthening the company’s position.
Court Ruling and Its Implications
On February 28, 2025, Superior Court Judge John C. Porto ruled that the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP (CK), which represents the anonymous party responsible for the report, must disclose their client's identity within seven days. The judge emphasized that the report lacked veracity and that Evolution was entitled to full legal discovery.
In his ruling, Judge Porto stated:
"The report lacks veracity, and the plaintiff is entitled to all relevant discovery necessary. This court further finds that pursuit of the truth of the parties’ assertions is necessary here and disclosure of the client’s identity is ordered. The identity of the client is clearly necessary to enable the plaintiff to fully address its legal claims."
This decision suggests that the court recognizes the potential defamatory nature of the report and underscores Evolution’s right to seek redress against those responsible for its publication.
What Comes Next?
With the ruling in place, CK has until early March to reveal the name of the anonymous party. The disclosure could unveil whether a competitor, an insider, or another entity was behind the report. It remains unclear what legal actions Evolution might pursue once the identities are known, but the company is likely to seek accountability for the financial and reputational damage caused.
Meanwhile, Evolution has successfully navigated the fallout from the allegations, continuing to grow in the live casino sector. The company has received support from the New Jersey DGE, which reaffirmed that Evolution does not promote or benefit from unlicensed operators. This backing strengthens Evolution’s position as it moves closer to resolving this long-standing dispute.
The coming days will be crucial in revealing the individuals behind the report and determining the next steps in Evolution’s legal battle.