Evolution Gaming's progress with EZ Baccarat in the United States and Canada
In a significant move for the gaming industry, Evolution, the world's leading live-casino provider, announced the acquisition of Galaxy Gaming in July 2024. The deal, valued at approximately $85 million, was approved by the West Virginia Lottery Commission in August 2025, marking the regulatory process's advancement towards completion.
Galaxy Gaming, a Las Vegas-based table games and technology provider, is best known for its flagship game, EZ Baccarat. This acquisition expands Evolution's portfolio in live dealer and online casino games, notably enhancing distribution channels for EZ Baccarat.
The impact on EZ Baccarat has been profound. The acquisition by Evolution has allowed for broader scaling and integration into Evolution's global network. This integration has facilitated increased distribution and penetration of EZ Baccarat into multiple regulated and unregulated online markets.
Martin Carlesund, CEO of Evolution, highlighted the company's focus on regulated growth while maintaining a presence in significant unregulated markets. He emphasised that Evolution delivers games globally, including markets with restrictions.
EZ Baccarat, co-created by Robin Powell and Francisco "TJ" Tejeda, has been a leading baccarat brand in North America. It debuted on Ezugi's global network in February 2023 and has rapidly scaled, becoming live in available jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada in under six months.
Top companies like Caesars and Hard Rock have chosen to offer EZ Baccarat in their Live Dealer games. The optional progressive wagers in the Galaxy Gaming version of EZ Baccarat are gaining traction with operators in both the U.S. and Canada. EZ Baccarat eliminates the 5% commission on winning Banker bets, resulting in a "push" for a winning Banker hand totaling seven cards.
The Talisman Group selected Galaxy Gaming to take over the distribution rights for EZ Baccarat in 2023. Leading online-casino operators such as Caesars, Hard Rock, Rush Street, and Parx will introduce Live Dealer and RNG versions of EZ Baccarat.
Tejeda stated that the brand's move online is a "huge deal" and that they have been trying for years to take the brand onto the internet. The launch of EZ Baccarat on Ezugi's global network has been a significant milestone in the brand's global growth.
Players actively seeking out EZ Baccarat online are now finding it, as it becomes available on more platforms. The brand continues to add new markets and expects this move to be a powerful boost for its growth. With Evolution's expertise and market reach, EZ Baccarat is poised for even greater success in the online gaming world.
The acquisition of Galaxy Gaming by Evolution has expanded their portfolio to include casino-games like EZ Baccarat, and this leads to a significant increase in the distribution of EZ Baccarat, particularly in regulated and unregulated online markets (immersive experience, enhanced global reach).
The emerging success of EZ Baccarat, a poker variant, is tied to its integration into Evolution's global network, which has facilitated broader scaling and increased penetration in various markets (a standout baccarat brand, progressive wagers gaining traction with operators).
