Galaxy Gaming will formally debut additions to two high-profile products when the Global Gaming Expo floor opens Oct. 8 in Las Vegas.
The new Sapphire version of the Galaxy Operating System for table games enables multiple jackpots on a variety of tables, offering the possibility of big payouts, while “preserving the integrity of the base game the players know and love,” Galaxy CEO Matt Reback said. In addition, Galaxy is adding two more side bets for EZ Baccarat, a quick-paced no-commission game recognized as the most popular baccarat variant on the market.
“At G2E this year, our major focus is reminding the industry we’re the leading pure-play table-games company in the world and the way we’re going to do that is with product,” Reback said.
Sapphire is the third version of the Galaxy’s table-game system. Reback said it enhances the table-game experience with options that create volatility for players looking for a shot at a larger-than-usual payout. The patented dynamic jackpot system randomly multiplies payouts for winning combinations on a standard side bet. If the side bet’s standard paytable has five levels of prizes, he said, the dynamic progressive multiplies up to four of them by four to 10 times, with the multiplier and qualifying winners changing each round. Players must wager on the traditional side bet and the progressive to qualify for the multiplied payouts.
“The random multiplier could make an evening-changing or a trip-changing kind of a payout if you land one of those,” Reback said. “Blackjack isn’t the most volatile of games, so operators are always asking us to see if we can help preserve the base game, but add that extra volatility and excitement.” He said eight casinos have installed GOS Sapphire and 15 more will add it soon.
Sapphire also enables mystery progressives that don’t depend on the play of the base game and must-hit-by progressives, designed to trigger additional play as they grow.
Reback also said operators find Sapphire’s user interface easy for dealers and other team members to navigate.
Other operator-focused improvements include digital tracking, the ability to link progressives to tables throughout a casino or multiple sites, and back-end analytics.
Rebak said players like the nebula sensor that indicates a bet on the progressive. “A sensor isn’t the highest-tech piece of equipment, but it’s really important.” Instead of being just a red LED circle on the layout, the nebula sensor synchronizes with the graphics on the progressive’s screen. “You end up with much more of an integrated experience,” he said, citing how slot lighting is tied to a game. “We’re trying to create some of that lighting and entertainment that’s tied to the player’s experience on the table game.”
Galaxy is also enhancing the venerable EZ Baccarat game, which hadn’t changed since its introduction 18 years ago. Reback said operators may choose to add the Golden Talons and Divine 9 side bets to complement the Dragon 7 and Panda 8 of the original game, with no increase in the operator fee. Golden Talons pays 10-1 for either a Player or Banker 3-card 9 and 75-1 when each has a 3-card 9. Golden Talons pays off with a natural win/tie or non-natural win by a specified number of points. The paybacks follow a posted paytable.
Reback said the additional bets will not impact on the speed of the game, a key part of its attraction for operators and players. “These two side bets are extremely easy to resolve, as easy as Dragon 7 and Panda 8.” He added that several operators have asked for additional EZ Baccarat side bets. In addition, EZ Baccarat is being made available online through Evolution AB, which has agreed to purchase Galaxy Gaming for about $85 million.
“It’ll be fun to introduce that product to an online market for the first time,” he said. The deal with Evolution, announced in July, is expected to close next summer.
Reback said table-game pits have seen fewer modernizations than other casino areas. “I don’t think there’s been enough innovation in the pit. We’re trying to give the operator control of the environment through all these extra tools and choices.”
