BetMGM to Launch Wheel of Fortune Casino with IGT and SONY

BetMGM has announced a deal with Sony Pictures and International Game Technologies (IGT). This partnership denotes the gambling operator's plans to kick-start Wheel of Fortune Casino — a branded online platform inspired by the iconic American game show.

The "Wheel of Fortune" show, now in its 40th season, has given trademark rights to over 250 online slot games for the past 25 years, all of which will be available to play at the new casino.

BetMGM CRO, Matt Prevost, expresses the brand's excitement concerning the recent partnership:

"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 Casino will offer players the excitement of their favorite game show and real-money wagering in the palm of their hand."

First Branded Online Casino

According to BetMGM, the Wheel of Fortune Casino is set to become one of the first branded online casinos in the North American virtual gambling space. This casino site will feature numerous slots themed around the Wheel of Fortune show and other themed games by the London-headquartered IGT. It's scheduled to launch in New Jersey before being rolled out to other jurisdictions.

According to IGT Digital and Betting CEO Enrico Drago, the IGT Wheel of Fortune slot brand will be evolving into a new phase through the launch of the casino. It's also in line with the firm's ongoing strategy of creating exciting ways to leverage its brands with operating partners.

"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."

This venture is hot on the heels of another major partnership by BetMGM. The gambling operator recently signed an agreement with cruise ship operator Carnival Corporation, which will see BetMGM offer its gambling services to passengers onboard all US-ported Carnival cruise ships.

Behind the Show's Popularity

The Wheel of Fortune has become a staple in the American TV arena. Suzanne Prete, Game Shows Executive Vice-president of Sony Pictures Television, reiterates that the Wheel of Fortune show aired its first episode to American viewers in 1975.

Since its first airing, this game show has doled out a whopping $200 million to contestants in the form of cash prizes and other rewards. The show's popularity also gave room for two spin-offs — Wheel 2000 (a child-friendly version of Wheel of Fortune) and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (a Wheel of Fortune format that sees different celebrities compete for the top spot).

Prete said, "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."