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Evolution Gaming is getting closer to opening a new live dealer studio for its secondary brand, Ezugi, which will be located in Grand Rapids. Evolution Gaming announced the plans last October to “meet these growing player and customer demands,” North America CEO, Jacob Claesson, told PlayMichigan.
In an email to PlayMichigan earlier this month, Claesson said that construction is underway, with an opening timeline in the “second half of the year.” However, no other specifics were given beyond that at the time.
Ezugi was the first live dealer brand in the US market, opening a studio at Golden Nugget Atlantic City in 2017 before being acquired by Evolution the following year. That studio has since shut down, and Michigan will be the first market for this US relaunch.
Live dealer games have been a huge addition to Michigan online casinos.
What to expect for new live dealer studio
As the new facility is nearing an opening, Claesson told PlayMichigan that many key hires are “already in place.” The studio is expecting around 100 employees when the studio opens its doors.
The growth of online casinos in Michigan has been rapid since launching in 2021. The state set a new revenue record last month, producing $260.5 million.
Because of the demand, Claesson is expecting to employ more than 500 people in the Grand Rapids studio alone over the next couple of years. With that comes the launch of new games, which include Triple Zero Roulette, EZ Baccarat and Revolution Roulette.
Evolution acquired Ezugi in 2018 with expansion in mind, which is coming to fruition. Claesson said in October that Ezugi specializes in “localized content tailored to each market they operate in.”
Michigan players could see different games than New Jersey and Pennsylvania players. According to Evolution’s website, Ezugi also offers the following unique titles:
- Ultimate Roulette
- Ultimate Sic Bo
- Lucky 7
- Casino Hold ‘Em
- Russian Poker
Evolution Gaming is still going to be flagship brand for live dealer games it offers to operators around the country, especially in Michigan. It is Claesson’s goal to establish Ezugi as the No. 2 live dealer brand in the market, after Evolution.
