Las Vegas-based developer Galaxy Gaming acquired an enhancement feature for baccarat tables developed by a student at the UNLV Center for Gaming Innovation.
The acquisition boosted Galaxy’s portfolio of Asian-style gaming products. The company said in a statement the new feature adds its cross-platform content iGaming and traditional land-based casinos. Galaxy has proprietary table games but also provides casinos with enhancement wagers side bet options.
Financial terms for acquisition were not disclosed.
Tiange Xu
The enhancement, “Baccarat Fightback,” was developed by Tiange Xu. The enhancement was previewed at the 2019 UNLV Gaming Innovation Showcase. According to Galaxy, “Baccarat Fightback” includes “a never-before-seen feature” that enhances the look and feel of Baccarat, while leaving the base game untouched.
Galaxy CEO Todd Cravens said the company plans to introduce “Baccarat Fightback” by the end of the year on tables and in electronic gaming tables and iGaming spaces.
“UNLV continues to be an invaluable resource and partner for us,” Cravens said. “Baccarat Fightback and Tiange are the latest examples of the innovation and talent that we have come to expect.”
Tiange is a first-year master’s student at UNLV and holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Casino Management from the University of Macau. Prior to his studies at UNLV, Tiange worked in the casino industry in Macau, Cambodia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The experience he gained played a pivotal role in his game’s design.
“Thanks to the UNLV Center for Gaming Innovation and Galaxy Gaming, my dream has come true,” he said. “When I went to a casino for the first time, I told myself I wanted to have my own game on the floor one day. Now, that is going to happen. Baccarat Fightback introduces a new way of playing Baccarat. I firmly believe it will stand out among other Baccarat variants.”
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
