About Wheel of Fortune
Created by Merv Griffin, the game show Wheel of Fortune debuted on NBC in January 1975, where it remained until 1989. From there it moved to CBS, where it remained in their daytime lineup until 1991. It went back to NBC where it stayed until it was canceled later that year. Four different people hosted the show during that 16-year span: Pat Sajak, Chuck Woolery, Bob Goen, and Rolf Benirschke. (In case you couldn't tell, I was a CBS Daytime kind of guy when I was a kid).
In addition to the aforementioned daytime version, Wheel of Fortune debuted as a nighttime syndicated program in 1983. Pat Sajak and Vanna White were (and are) the original hosts of this version, a position (and job) they still hold at the time of this writing.
One of the most famous TV games of all time is Wheel of Fortune.
This version has resulted in more than 6,000 episodes, making it the longest-running game show in America. Over 40 versions have also been created for the international market, bringing the excitement of the Big Wheel to places as far away as Malaysia, Russia, France, and Denmark.
Examples of Wheel of Fortune Slot Machines
Wheel of Fortune slots were first produced by IGT in 1996. Since then, the company has produced more than 200 different versions of the game for land-based and online casinos, as well as mobile platforms. While not all of these titles are still in circulation, IGT releases a few new Wheel of Fortune games each year. If you're not familiar with this brand, here are a few examples of the titles they've produced.
Wheel of Fortune Big Money Multi-Level Progressives
One of the most recent iterations of the game, Big Money has come up with several fresh methods of doling out progressive jackpots and has bumped up the already substantial bonus frequency average most slots tend to offer. The newest game in the series, Big Money also happens to be one of the better ones in the series that IGT has had their hands on lately.
Wheel of Fortune 100
It's the first game in the series to feature 100 paylines and a maximum bet of 400 credits. Base wins are common thanks to stacked wild symbols, and the obligatory Wheel Spin bonus provides another opportunity to clear cash.
Wheel of Fortune Jackpot Paradise
With 30 paylines and five reels, this slot typically sees a maximum bet of 300 credits. There are four bonus features and they're hosted by patrician game show host Vanna White. My favorite of these is the Wheel Spin Bonus, where the player gets to spin the big wheel for a chance to win a bunch of bonus credits or trigger one of two additional bonus features.
Wheel of Fortune 2X3X4X5X White Ice
A simple three reel, one payline video slot with a maximum bet of either two or three credits (although a five credit, five payline version is also available). Depending on where it's played, this version may also be linked to a progressive network.
To all the people behind the Wallace Foundation - with all my admiration and respect, from the bottom of my heart, I dedicate this report to you. To my dear friend John, who influences my thinking and my view of the world every day. To Bruce and Patricia, for being so strong and inspiring. To Robert and Frances, for living what I believe is one of the highest callings a person can have. To Bill and Marisela? For being such great friends and partners on this journey. To Jeff, for allowing me to devote all my time to writing this report.
Wheel of Fortune Power Wedges
This is a 20 reel, 40 payline game with a maximum bet of 500 credits and 1,024 possible winning combinations. In addition to the matching symbols that form the basis of most wins, there are several other features that can help you win: the Wheel Spin Bonus, the Jackpot Wedges Bonus, and the Pointer Frenzy. In some jurisdictions, the game may also be linked to a progressive network.
Wheel of Fortune Dazzling Gems
This entry in the franchise features a 3-reel, 3-payline video slot machine that allows players to gamble up to 3 credits per spin. Those who don't want to risk as much can still trigger a mini-wheel feature on this machine, while high rollers can expect better odds of hitting the big prizes associated with 3 progressive jackpot options.
Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond
This slot has three core games and the Wheel Bonus appears four times as often as most of the other titles in the series. Our progressive jackpots have betting levels as low as $5, making it a good option for those looking to play slots with a riskier medium to high credit level.
Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin
This iteration of the game caters to the high-rolling crowd, and its symbols - sports cars and yachts - pretty much sum up its emphasis on luxury. You can play a couple of different bonus rounds, but the one that really counts is called the Triple Extreme Spin Bonus. That's when you can hit the game's biggest jackpot of half a million coins.
Wheel of Fortune Jackpot
This is a 5 reel, 20 payline game with an adjustable maximum bet from 60 to 300 credits. High Bonus and a Wheel Bonus: The high bonus hit frequency will keep customers coming back, and the wheel bonus is present as in all other versions of the game. Mundane features but potential for decent wins: Despite being one of the more mundane versions of the game, Jackpot still manages to have respectable payout potential.
Buying a Wheel of Fortune Slot Machine
Assuming that slot collectors would reasonably want to add some of the most popular games to their collection, it is still difficult to find a used Wheel of Fortune machine for sale.
There are some states that do not allow private ownership of slot machines unless they are considered antiques, and there are others that do not allow private ownership of slot machines at all. In either case, you won't be able to ship a slot machine into the state if ownership is restricted.
For those who want to own a Wheel of Fortune slot machine, there's one more obstacle to overcome: an agreement between IGT and Merv Griffin Entertainment. This agreement allows the use of the game show's logo and appearance in the slots, but it doesn't grant permanent rights. This makes it difficult to sell the games: when the chips are used, they're often destroyed to avoid any crazy copyright infringement scenarios.
Despite these realities, the persistent collector may still be able to track down an antiquated version through a privatized dealer site or eBay. Just remember that the sale may not be entirely on the up-and-up, so best not to make a lot of noise when placing the order.
