Wheel of Fortune Celebrates 8000 Episodes with BetMGM

Progressive Jackpot Spiced Up the Show’s ‘Big Money Week’

The iconic American TV Game Show Wheel of Fortune teamed up with global gaming giant BetMGM to mark a historic milestone—the airing of its 8000th episode. To celebrate, they hosted a special “Big Money Giveaway” from May 20 to 24, 2024.

During “Big Money Week”, contestants on the show, as well as online participants, had the chance to win big by solving the show’s Bonus Puzzle. Each night featured a unique Nightly Progressive Jackpot, sponsored by BetMGM, offering contestants the opportunity to win significant cash prizes. The event marked a memorable partnership between the beloved TV show and the sportsbook and casino heavyweight.

“BetMGM is honored to join Wheel of Fortune during this milestone week and be a part of a game show that has earned a place in American television history,” stated Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM’s CEO.

“‘Big Money Week’ is a great collaboration, giving contestants and viewers at home the opportunity to experience the excitement of a progressive jackpot,” Greenblatt emphasized.

The Nightly Progressive Jackpot started each evening at a value of $8000 (≈ ₹6,64,500). It increased every time a participant spun the huge Roulette-style wheel. Landing the BetMGM Double Jackpot wedge on the wheel doubled the jackpot won by any live or online contestant.

The Game Show That Defined All Game Shows

Game shows have been around for over a century. They first emerged as simple quiz games on radio in the early 1920s.

On July 1, 1941, the first day of commercial TV broadcasting in the US, a game show called Truth or Consequences was aired. The money competition genre then flourished in the 1950s and grew even bigger in the 1970s.

The 1970s boom in TV game show production led to the creation of Wheel of Fortune. It featured its iconic Hangman-style word puzzles and a giant 24-wedged prize wheel. The show has since completed 40 seasons and expanded globally. There are more than 40 international versions, including an Indian adaptation in the late 1990s, hosted by actor Mohan Kapur.

“An iconic American game show, Wheel of Fortune‘s 41st season premiered in September 2023 and is one of the highest-rated syndicated game shows. Wheel of Fortune reaches 21.5 million unique viewers each week and averages more than 9.1 million viewers nightly,” BetMGM’s press release pointed out.

Throughout the years, the Wheel of Fortune has inspired countless casino games. This includes Evolution’s top-rated blockbusters, Crazy Time and Funky Time. Currently, the Live Casino Game Show category is ruling the charts in Indian online casinos. It contributes to a solid one-third of operator turnovers.

The TV game show’s influence over online casinos has spread beyond the iGaming genre. “Wheel of Fortune-themed slot games have been a prominent staple on casino floors for more than 25 years,” BetMGM’s press statement highlighted and reminded that “In March 2023, BetMGM collaborated with IGT to launch Wheel of Fortune Online Casino, North America’s first brand-led online casino.”

Sustainable Expansion of Responsible iGaming around the World

The recent developments in BetMGM’s business are one more example of how a keen focus on responsible gaming is the key to growth and expansion in the world of gambling, be it online, offline, or omnichannel.

The operator uses the GameSense responsible gambling program across its platforms. It’s centered on the principles of “real fairness, real security, and real prevention.”

GameSense is a robust platform that serves as a one-stop shop where players can access various practical functionalities, such as self-exclusion or setting limits on wagers, deposits, or time. It also provides information on when and how to find support. And provides links to additional help resources.

In addition, GameSense serves as a broad knowledge base about gambling. It explains how it works and the underlying mechanics. It also discusses numerous other topics. Some topics include common gambling myths, odds, and randomness.

Aiming to build a sustainable and reputable business, BetMGM strives to empower its players to make informed decisions about their gambling preferences and habits while taking care of their social and personal lives and mental health.

“As BetMGM continues to expand into new jurisdictions, responsible gaming education remains a key focus. BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, an industry-leading program developed and licensed to MGM Resorts (NYSE:MGM) by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation,” the operator stressed in its statement.

“Through the GameSense integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can directly access responsible gaming tools.”

BetMGM Registered 31.41% Growth in Operating Income to $1.89 bn for 2023

BetMGM concluded a successful 2023 with a 31.41% growth in operating income. Thus reaching $1.89 billion (approximately ₹15,800 crore), compared to $1.44 billion (approximately ₹12,000 crore) in 2022.

As MGM Resorts International’s exclusive online and offline sports betting partner, BetMGM is a global leader in online casino gaming and poker, alongside sister brands Borgata Online, Party Casino, and Party Poker.

This year began with a new partnership with global hotel chain Marriott International. This collaboration will showcase the BetMGM brand in 16 hotel and resort locations through the Marriott Bonvoy app. Patrons who link their Marriott accounts to BetMGM can accumulate loyalty points and unlock unique benefits.

“MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy is the fusion of two experiential giants in MGM Resorts and Marriott International that will provide epic and extraordinary moments for our guests – through world-class acts, impeccable service, and endless opportunities to indulge – as delivered by some of the most recognizable resorts in Las Vegas and the United States,” stated Peggy Roe, Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.

Following the cooperation with Marriot, MGM Resorts announced BetMGM’s entry into the Netherlands iGaming market with the aim “to provide Dutch customers with exciting new product features, including large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive slots, as well as unique and compelling sports promotions.”

“We are thrilled to launch BetMGM in the Netherlands and build on BetMGM’s successful expansion into global markets. The Dutch market offers an exciting opportunity and will be an important part of our international expansion efforts and strategy to become a global gaming leader,” said MGM Resorts International Interactive President Gary Fritz.

MGM’s expansions continue after LeoVegas acquisition

This is the operator’s second expansion on European soil. The first after establishing foothold in the UK in mid-2023 with the help of LeoVegas. In 2022, MGM Resorts acquired Swedish-based LeoVegas Group for $604 million in cash.

“Our launch in the UK was tremendously successful, and we eagerly anticipate bringing the golden Vegas experience to the Netherlands. This launch in the Dutch market is an important step in our international expansion, but we have much more in store,” commented Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas Group.

Looking towards a truly global expansion beyond Marriott Bonvoy’s 16 destinations and the new European market entries, BetMGM partnered with X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and now solely owned by billionaire Elon Musk.

BetMGM will be the exclusive provider of live sports betting odds to X. The platform will link directly to the operator’s website and app. This enables users in jurisdictions where sportsbooks are allowed by law to place wagers on games.