International Game Technology PLC (IGT) and Sony Pictures Television on Wednesday marked the 25th anniversary of the high-performing Wheel of Fortune Slots game.
IGT launched Wheel of Fortune Slots in Reno, Nevada, in 1996. Since then it has become a ubiquitous presence, spanning the mechanical reel, video, TRUE 4D and digital slots verticals in numerous denominations.
The company said it has developed more than 250 versions of Wheel Slots.
Over the past quarter-century, Wheel Slots have awarded more than $3.3 billion in jackpot prizes, creating more than 1,100 millionaires, topped by a record $14.4m jackpot to a player in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 2009.
To honor the milestone, IGT has launched a 25 Weeks of Wheel of Fortune Slots campaign. The marketing effort will include giveaways and player promotions in casinos, while the online portion will include trivia, game spotlights and weekly contests with a chance to win Wheel of Fortune collectibles.
In addition, the company said it will honor Wheel Slots throughout 2021via new product launches for land-based and online play, and with special events at gaming industry trade shows.
“For 25 years, IGT has artfully captured the fun, excitement and authenticity of the Wheel of Fortune brand through its world-class Wheel of Fortune Slots portfolio,” Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television SVP global licensing and brand management, said in a statement. “Wheel of Fortune Slots’ jackpot-paying legacy and capacity to entertain people across diverse generations, geographies and channels perfectly align with the global Wheel of Fortune brand. Sony Pictures Television wishes to thank IGT for so effectively extending the excitement of America’s Game to the most successful slot theme of all time.”
Vanna White (pictured), Wheel of Fortune hostess, added, “It has always been an honor to work side-by-side with the talented team at IGT in developing content for its many Wheel of Fortune Slots games. When walking through casinos, I still marvel in the brilliance of the many Wheel of Fortune games and the excitement that the familiar siren of ‘Wheel of Fortune!’ creates.”
Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO global gaming, described Wheel of Fortune Slots as a hallmark of IGT’s gaming, lottery and PlayDigital product portfolios, and said the brand has, “transformed the entire gaming industry on the merit of tremendous performance, vast player affinity, colossal jackpots and quality entertainment.”
“Through the skilled work of thousands of talented IGT employees around the world and our collaborative partnership with Sony Pictures Television, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Slots has become a pop culture icon that has helped fuel our customers’ success for 25 years,” Ascoli said.
