IGT Brings Slots of Surprises to Gaming Expo

The 2010 Global Gaming Expo, which was held Nov. 16 – 18 in Las Vegas, is an opportunity for gaming manufacturing companies from around the world to showcase their new line of products before the movers and shakers of the gambling industry.

International Game Technology (IGT) always has a high profile presence at the show. This year was certainly no exception.

One of the highlights of the company's exhibit was the next generation of Wheel of Fortune themed games, one of the most popular brands ever introduced to casino floors. IGT unveiled slot machines based on the iconic TV game show for the first time in 1996. Players just keep asking for more.

IGT answered the demand in a big way at this year's show with the latest models in the wheel spinning slot craze, including Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin, Wheel of Fortune Triple Spin, and Wheel of Fortune Experience 2.

"Since the Wheel of Fortune slots family was introduced it has been named the top player favorite year after year," said Ron Rivera, IGT senior vice president of North American sales. "Our newest Wheel of Fortune games take this proven favorite to new levels of entertainment and excitement. And most important, each offers players what they love most; more chances to spin the wheel."

Triple Extreme Spin is the first Wheel of Fortune game to feature three physical spinning reels in the top box of the machine. The unique configuration of the unit combines two slot top machines with a shared top box bonus device, special lighting effects, and a 32-inch LCD screen.

The Triple Spin version boasts a three-game MultiPlay interface which includes IGT's patented Rapid Reload component that locks in symbols and re-spins the reels. It gives players the opportunity to spin not just one wheel but three of them on the big overhead screen.

The third new Wheel of Fortune game, Experience 2, is a low-denomination version which combines the excitement of interactive group play puzzle and wheel-spinning bonuses with the chance to win a life-changing jackpot. Eligible players can share in the fun of two high-frequency group bonus events.

During the 14 years that IGT's Wheel of Fortune games have been played in casinos, more than $2.5 billion in jackpots have been won.

IGT also unveiled the new generation of its patented MLD spinning reel and video slot games which feature enhanced features such as crisp, cleaner graphics, 3D elements, and new twists on keeping players engaged.

One game that is sure to draw attention is the Hot Roll series, low-denomination games that incorporate dice action in the bonus rounds. When a bonus round is activated, players touch the dice and with a swipe of a hand throw the virtual cubes across the screen.

The 3D aspect of the new MLD games comes brilliantly to life in the Puppy Stampede and Wild Reef series of games.

When playing Wild Reef, players can choose a fish symbol that will swim from reel to reel to initiate wilds in the Wild reef underwater adventure.

In Puppy Stampede, puppy multipliers and free games will prove to be the components that players will love the most.

Casino goers who favor traditional spinning reel slots will be captivated by the spinning reel look, feel and sound of their mechanical counterparts. The games are equipped with IGT's new virtual rounded reels with 3D action that spins out at the player.

Nothing was overlooked. Game details are so realistic that the reels "shake, wobble and bounce" just as in the traditional mechanical reel-spinning versions.

I'll have more news from the Global Gaming Expo next week.