OnAir Engages Independent Investigator Regarding Spying Allegations

Article by : Milena Petrovska Jan 24, 2024

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OnAir has released a statement informing the public that the company has hired an independent investigator to resolve the spying allegations. Namely, earlier this month, a former senior product owner accused the live dealer game provider of spying on its competitor Playtech.

OnAir issued a statement to NEXT.io, pledging to take action and investigate such allegations fully. Per the company’s statement, the provider was committed to maintaining the highest professionalism and integrity standards.

What Exactly Happened?

The scandal initially appeared on the professional social network LinkedIn, where Ivan Ivanovs accused OnAir of spying on Playtech. Ivanovs made the corporate espionage claims as a former OnAir employee, where he held a position as a senior product owner.

According to his LinkedIn post, OnAir Entertainment has had access to the internal systems of Playtech through a former game portfolio lead. Supposedly, the person retained their access to the systems after they departed their position at Playtech Live.

This situation has been going on for two years and enabled OnAir Entertainment to gain insider information on its fierce rival. Upcoming game releases, roadmaps, and branded games have all been part of the alleged spying scheme.

However, according to the investigation by NEXT.io, the former Playtech employee had access to the portal and not to the entire system. That would mean only the schedule of releasing new games would be compromised rather than the whole Playtech Live operations.

Commenting on the LinkedIn post, a Playtech spokesperson revealed that the company was aware of the issue. They mentioned an investigation surrounding an IP infringement alongside other unspecified claims.

According to the renowned iGaming provider, a full investigation is in place, and an update will be provided when more information becomes available.

“Immediate and Decisive Action” Promised

OnAir quickly responded to the serious corporate espionage allegations against it. The company reassured its stakeholders and clients that “immediate and decisive action” would be taken to uncover all details surrounding the situation.

In line with the dedication, OnAir Entertainment informed that an independent investigator had been hired. That’s how they ensure a thorough and autonomous investigation would take place.

Moreover, the company promised to provide updates “as the investigation progresses” in order to keep interested parties well informed. At the same time, OnAir vowed to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all the involved parties in the scandal.

OnAir Entertainment was launched in December 2020 as a game provider focused primarily on the live dealer segment. The company boasted a “collective experience” of more than 200 years in the live casino market. It has offices and studios in multiple locations worldwide, including Malta, the UK, Romania, and Poland.

The company has seen steady growth over the years and partnered with leading industry names. Only in January 2024, OnAir Entertainment informed of joining forces with Rootz Casino and the Kindred Group.

By contrast, Playtech is an industry veteran known for offering omnichannel casino software. The company has been around since 1999, and it’s among the longest-standing iGaming brands. It’s been providing live games since 2017, when it opened its dedicated studio in Bucharest, Romania.

Over the years, the company has won numerous awards for its innovative and ground-breaking products. Some notable mentions include the industry-first Live Slots and the Live Jackpot.