Playtech shares plunge as Evolution links rival to smear report

(Reuters) -Playtech shares fell by more than 38% on Tuesday after rival Evolution said it would add the UK gaming firm to a defamation lawsuit, alleging one of its subsidiaries commissioned a 2021 report meant to damage its reputation and business operations.

Responding to Evolution's statement, Playtech rejected the allegations, stating that the suggestion it was "engaged in a smear campaign is wholly untrue".

By 1222 GMT, Playtech shares were down 29.5%, leading fallers on London's FTSE 250 index. Evolution was up around 1% in Stockholm.

(Reporting by Danilo Masoni; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)