The world’s most successful licensed slot franchise marks three decades of jackpots, innovation and cross-platform entertainment
IGT has marked the 30th anniversary of Wheel of Fortune Slots, celebrating three decades of what the company describes as the most successful slot theme of all time.
First launched in 1996, Wheel of Fortune Slots is widely credited with transforming the casino floor as the industry’s first licensed slot game, becoming synonymous with million-dollar jackpots and the unmistakable “Wheel-of-Fortune!” chant that echoes through casinos worldwide.
To commemorate the milestone, IGT has launched a multi-month, multi-channel celebration spanning land-based casinos, digital platforms and social media. The campaign includes new product launches, in-casino events across the United States, influencer collaborations, player competitions on Instagram and Facebook, a dedicated creative campaign, and a week of integrated features on the Wheel of Fortune television show.
“For three decades, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Slots have captivated slots players around the world and earned a reputation for delivering world-class entertainment combined with huge jackpots in casinos and online,” said Hector Fernandez, Incoming CEO of IGT. “Through our relationship with Sony Pictures Television and Carnival Cruise Line, we’ve created a robust 2026 campaign that honours the legacy of Wheel of Fortune Slots while rewarding players and delivering value to our customers worldwide.”
One of the centrepieces of the anniversary programme is IGT’s Spin and Sail Cruise, developed in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Select U.S. casinos will be able to reward players with eight-day cruises aboard the Carnival Jubilee®, where participants will compete in a dedicated slot tournament featuring a US$1 million prize pool. Additional cruise places will be awarded through social media competitions run on IGT Jackpots’ Facebook and IGT Gaming North America’s Instagram channels.
The anniversary also underscores IGT’s long-standing relationship with Sony Pictures Television, which owns and produces the Wheel of Fortune television programme and licenses the brand to IGT across gaming, lottery, iGaming and iLottery.
“Our longstanding relationship with IGT has been a remarkable success,” said Suzanne Prete, President, Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television. “Much like the Wheel of Fortune game show, IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Slots is a category leader that resonates with a wide audience, and we value IGT’s enduring commitment to the franchise.”
Thirty years on, Wheel of Fortune Slots remains one of the most recognisable and commercially successful brands in casino gaming, continuing to bridge land-based, online and social environments while anchoring IGT’s wider omni-channel strategy.
