Hey All, Dana here. Updating this article to reflect recent events. BetMGM launched the Wheel of Fortune Online Casino in Ontario in August 2024. This marks the brand’s second market entry after its successful debut in New Jersey in March 2023.
Key points:
- The Ontario launch occurred in August 2024.
- The original article here references the New Jersey launch which we will keep live for archive purposes.
[Archive for NJ] Wheel of Fortune Casino – Coming to a Desktop & Mobile Near You
Three of the biggest brands in their individual markets are teaming up to produce a first-of-its-kind entertainment offering. Sony Pictures Television, International Game Technology (IGT) and BetMGM are collaborating to produce the Wheel of Fortune Online Casino.
Gambling enthusiasts have been enjoying Wheel of Fortune slot machines, both online and on land, for well over two decades. This latest endeavor, aligning with the world-famous TV game show’s 40th anniversary, takes the concept leaps and bounds ahead.
Wheel of Fortune Casino Collaboration
Sony Pictures Television – Anyone who watches TV or films knows the name. The company is so large, they don’t just produce the things we watch on TV. Their electronics division produces the TVs we watch on; (among other things, like cameras, smartphones, medical tech, and my personal favorite, Sony PlayStation).
International Game Technology – Among the oldest and most famous casino games creators in the world, IGT is the company responsible for all those Wheel of Fortune slot machines we all know and love. In the last 25 years, IGT has rolled out more than 250 games in the Wheel of Fortune series. Many of them carry progressive jackpots, paying life-altering prizes of 7-figures and more.
BetMGM – Everyone with a modicum interest in gambling surely recognizes this name. BetMGM is the digital betting arm, born of the epic partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc. If Entain doesn’t ring a bell, the online gambling companies it owns should; Bwin, Coral, Ladbrokes, PartyPoker, Sportingbet, I could go on.
With these three companies behind the production of the new Wheel of Fortune Online Casino, I’ve no doubt something special is about to happen.
40 Years of Greatness Coming to Desktop and Mobile
The iconic American TV game show is preparing to return for its landmark 40th season. What better way to celebrate than to give fans even more ways to enjoy it? That was surely one thought many paths leading to the Sony/IGT/BetMGM partnership.
BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer, Matt Prevost, explains his company’s interest in the collaboration.
“Wheel of Fortune is watched nightly by millions of people and BetMGM is honored to partner with Sony Pictures Television and IGT to bring this online casino experience to life. Once live, Wheel of Fortune Online Casino will offer players the excitement of their favorite gameshow and real money wagering in the palm of their hand.”
Suzanne Prete is Sony Pictures Television’s Executive VP of Game Shows. She speaks on behalf of her company’s enthusiasm toward the new development.
“We are delighted to be partnering with BetMGM for the launch of Wheel of Fortune’s very first online casino. With Wheel of Fortune celebrating its 40th season this year, we are pleased to continue offering players additional, new ways to play the games they know and love.”
IGT’s Enrico Drago, CEO of Digital & Betting, takes the lead in commenting on his brand’s role in the project.
“We’re excited to celebrate the evolution of the IGT Wheel of Fortune slot brand with BetMGM and Sony Pictures Television through the launch of Wheel of Fortune Online Casino. The Wheel of Fortune brand has been synonymous with slot gaming for more than 25 years, and this unprecedented brand-led online casino, driven by BetMGM’s compelling platform and promotional capabilities, is well-positioned to engage and entertain new and long-time players.
“As part of our ongoing PlayDigital strategy, we will continue to look for new and exciting ways to leverage our third party and home-grown brands with our operating partners.”
WoF Casino to Debut in New Jersey
Where better for an American classic to host its digital gambling debut than a US state famous for its casinos? This week’s announcement from BetMGM confirms New Jersey will be the inaugural host for the new Wheel of Fortune Online Casino.
Out of the gate, the digital gambling hub will feature a series of America’s Game®-brand slot machine titles, direct from the studios of IGT. That’s just the highlight, of course. Like any reputable internet gaming destination, the games menu will include a diverse arrangement of thematic titles; slots, table games, video poker and – more likely than not – a collection of live casino games, as well.
Success Weighs Upon Love for Our Grandparents
IGT has been building WoF slots for a very, very long time. About five years ago, the studio’s executives weren’t sure if it was a direction worth continued pursuit. Unsure how to proceed, the marketing team undertook the task of finding out two important things. First, do people still love slot machines with game show themes? And if so, what’s the attraction?
What they soon found out was that yes, people do love these games. As for why, the overwhelming majority of respondents agreed, the games remind them of their grandparents. I think most of us can agree, the bond between child and grandparent(s) is a special one; often very different from the relationship between a child and parent.
That sentiment not only spurred IGT to make a whole new line of game show-themed slots titles over the next few years. It surely had something to do with the decision to pursue this latest development.
Top Ranking Wheel of Fortune Slots
We can’t talk about a branded casino set to IGT’s most famous line of progressive jackpot slot machines without talking specifically about the top-ranking titles. The Wheel of Fortune: On Air, featuring IGT’s MegaJackpot progressive, is especially popular across North America. It has a lower payout percentage than the industry average, coming in at 91.00%. but that’s on par (if not a little high) with progressive jackpot games. Its inclusion of the MegaJackpots mechanic gives it the potential to pay out millions of dollars in a single spin.
The most popular game in the slots series by far has been the Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin. It boasts an expansive 720 ways to win across a 3x4x5x4x3 reel set. What it lacks in progressive payouts, it makes up for in bonuses and features. Other popular titles include their Powerbucks infused games, such as WoF Ruby Riches, WoF Exotic Far East, WoF Hawaiian Getaway, and WoF Shimmering Sapphire.
All of these titles and more are sure to appear on the upcoming Wheel of Fortune Casino for desktop and mobile.
Update: September 2024 – WoF Online Casino Launched in Ontario
Since the initial announcement of the Wheel of Fortune Online Casino for NJ, BetMGM has made significant strides in expanding this unique gaming experience. Here are the latest developments:
- Ontario Launch: In August 2024, BetMGM launched the Wheel of Fortune Online Casino in Ontario, Canada. This marks the brand’s second market entry after its successful debut in New Jersey.
- Game Offerings: The Ontario platform launched with over 1,600 games, including a variety of slots, progressive jackpots, and table games. Featured prominently are Wheel of Fortune-themed slot titles such as BetMGM Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin, Wheel of Fortune Megaways, and Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin.
- Mobile Accessibility: The Wheel of Fortune Online Casino is now available for download on both iOS and Android devices in Ontario, as well as accessible via desktop.
- Continued Collaboration: The casino remains a result of collaboration between Sony Pictures Television, International Game Technology (IGT), and BetMGM.
- Market Reception: The Ontario iGaming market, known for its embrace of online gaming, is expected to respond well to this new offering. This expansion aligns with BetMGM’s strategy to increase its market share in the growing North American iGaming industry.
- Future Expansion: While specific plans haven’t been announced, the success in New Jersey and the expansion into Ontario suggest that BetMGM may consider launching the Wheel of Fortune Online Casino in other regulated markets in the future.
These developments show that the Wheel of Fortune brand continues to resonate strongly with players in the online casino space, building on its long-standing popularity in land-based casinos.
