International Game Technology (IGT) announced Monday that it has signed a ten-year licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Television that grants the company exclusive rights to the Wheel of Fortune brand across gaming, lottery, iGaming, and iLottery and non-exclusive rights to distribute Wheel of Fortune content for free-to-play social casinos. The contract will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034.
In a statement, Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO of Global Gaming said: “In securing exclusive gaming, lottery, iGaming, and iLottery access to the Wheel of Fortune brand through 2034, IGT can maximize the returns of this licensing partnership and advance our legacy of creating omnichannel Wheel of Fortune games that generate demand and award prolific jackpots.”
“Sony Pictures Television has been a trusted IGT partner for more than 25 years and in that time, we’ve delivered a diverse portfolio of Wheel of Fortune games that has set the industry standard for innovation, is the clear leader in industry game-performance charts and generated significant revenue for our customers.”
The announcement comes as IGT launches new projects for the brand. Earlier this year, IGT and BetMGM launched Wheel of Fortune Online Casino in New Jersey, the first brand-led online casino in North America. Additionally, IGT recently launched Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin, described as the first omnichannel wide-area progressive jackpot in the U.S.
IGT's Renato Ascoli
Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television, Executive Vice President of Game Shows, added: “We are thrilled to be extending our long-standing partnership with IGT. This landmark agreement guarantees that casino and lottery players around the world can enjoy world-class Wheel of Fortune-themed games for years to come.”
She further commented: “Sony Pictures Television and IGT share the same commitment to applying the Wheel of Fortune brand in ingenious ways, creating growth opportunities and ensuring that Wheel of Fortune remains synonymous with winning and fun.”
The agreement is welcomed news for IGT, as its Wheel of Fortune slots is the most successful slot theme of all time. The games have been popular among casino guests for over 25 years, with nearly 300 versions of the slot.
The company notes that Wheel of Fortune slots have paid out over $3.5 billion in jackpots since 1996, and also awarded over $1 million in jackpots to nearly 1100 players. IGT also supports Wheel of Fortune-themed Powerbucks games in Canada, which continues “to achieve remarkable results in land-based and online casinos alike.”
Additionally, IGT PlayDigital has leveraged the Wheel of Fortune brand across its iGaming portfolio and IGT offers a range of Wheel of Fortune instant lottery games, iLottery games, and high-participation second-chance promotions.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2023/06/05/67411-igt-signs-10year-agreement-for-exclusive-wheel-of-fortune-gaming-licensing-rights
