Wheel of Fortune will temporarily bring back free spins and a progressive jackpot as part of BetMGM’s Big Winners Tournament. The five-episode BetMGM-sponsored special event will happen from Sept. 30 through Oct.4.
Exciting Tournament-style play will see the week’s three highest-scoring winners return for a “Friday Face-Off.” The competition-generating gameplay likely nods to Wheel’s well-known “Friday Finals” and “Returning Champion” elements—each appearing at several points in the show’s history.
Putting its name on Wheel’s Big Winners Tournament is the second time in 2024 that BetMGM— which also operates Wheel of Fortune Online Casino in New Jersey—sponsored the popular game show. In May, the leading online casino and sportsbook operator sponsored a progressive jackpot and other perks during the show’s “Big Money Week.”
Positioning itself as the platform of “big winners and second chances,” BetMGM is also giving former contestant Tavaris Williams another spin at the wheel. Williams went viral in May for his incorrect yet entertaining puzzle answer during Big Money Week. As part of his return to the WoF stage, Williams will also feature in BetMGM’s social content throughout the week.
In the sponsorship announcement, BetMGM’s chief revenue officer Matt Prevost said the decision to help WoF celebrate its big winners was easy.
There were so many great moments during ‘Big Money Week’ including the 8,000th Wheel of Fortune episode, the Nightly Progressive jackpot, and of course, Tavaris’ viral response. It was an easy decision to sponsor another week of Wheel of Fortune excitement with their new host, Ryan Seacrest, and we look forward to celebrating ‘Big Winners’ on the show and the BetMGM app.
Free Spins, Progressive Jackpot Offer Nostalgic Turn
BetMGM’s reintroduction of WoF’s “iconic” free spin will see each game round feature a “BetMGM Free Spin” token placed on the eponymous Wheel of Fortune.
When a player successfully collects the token, they can extend their turn when play would ordinarily pass to the next player. Whether the player chooses the wrong letter, lands on “lose a turn” or “bankrupt,” or incorrectly attempts to solve the puzzle, the token offers them the opportunity to take a mulligan.
Although its appearance and frequency changed, Free Spin was a popular WoF gameplay element starting in 1974 and ending with its retirement in 2009. Its return would feel particularly nostalgic for the Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials that typically dominate Wheel’s audience and online gambling operator’s customer base.
Free slot spins are also an essential promotional tool for online casinos, so their inclusion should feel familiar to BetMGM’s traditional audience.
Another popular casino element—and previous Wheel offering—is the progressive jackpot.
For the Big Winners Tournament, the BetMGM-sponsored progressive starts each episode at $5,000 and increases with each spin. Daily jackpots will combine to become a Tournament Jackpot played for by the contest that makes it to the Friday Bonus Round. The successful contestant must solve a bonus puzzle to go home with the final jackpot.
Home Viewers, BetMGM Casino Players Can Also Win
As part of the sponsorship, Sony Pictures Television will integrate BetMGM branding throughout the tournament, with co-branded graphics appearing on the center monitor.
BetMGM branding will also feature on host Ryan Seascrest’s monitor, the BetMGM Free Spin wheel wedge, and a jackpot ticker above the puzzle board.
Home viewers can share the winnings during the first four episodes by registering online via WoF’s website for a chance at the Daily Jackpot. Further, registered BetMGM players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Ontario can spin the Big Money Wheel for a daily chance at bonuses, bonus spins, a Wheel studio tour, or $5.000.
Wheel of Fortune’s 42nd season premiered earlier in September. The iconic game show is among the highest-rated syndicated games ever, reaching 21.5 million unique viewers weekly. For over 25 years, Wheel of Fortune-themed slots have taken up prominent real estate on casino floors and in online casino lobbies.
Last year, International Game Technology (IGT) extended its exclusive deal with Sony for WoF’s real-money gaming rights for another decade. In big news, the company announced a substantial expansion of its WoF product lines earlier this week. IGT will debut its new WoF-branded slots, video poker, video lottery, and an electronic table game next month at the Global Gaming Expo.
Players will wait until 2025 for the new products to reach casino floors.
Feature and in-story photos provided by BetMGM
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