Why the Wheel Keeps Turning in Wheel of Fortune

min read
A Wheel of Fortune-style lottery game.
BetMGM Jun 15, 2023, 3:22 AM

“Wheel of Fortune” is the longest-running game show in American history, with a special place in the hearts and weekly TV schedules of many around the world. How old is the “Wheel of Fortune” show? Well, it has been on television screens — and more recently, computer and smartphone screens — for 46 years now, with no end in sight.

Take a look at a few reasons why the wheel keeps turning and people keep watching (as with other similar live casino online experiences.) There’s also a breakdown of how to enjoy this beloved game outside of the TV show itself, such as in the form of online casino games at the BetMGM online casino.

Why Is “Wheel of Fortune” So Popular?

Going back to the beginning allows one to track the success of one of the most popular game shows of all time. The first episode of “Wheel of Fortune” was broadcast on NBC on January 6, 1975, with Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford stepping into the roles of host and co-host, respectively. Other hosts over the years included, most notably, Pat Sajak and Vanna White, as well as Rolf Benirschke and Bob Goen. 

It’s safe to say that the game show was a massive hit right from the start and is known for being one of the highest-rated programs on US-syndicated television for decades. As a result, it’s not surprising that it quickly became a global sensation following its debut back in the 1970s, with many countries, such as France, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United Kingdom, creating adaptations for their local audiences.

The show has managed to continually evolve with the times, having already released a spin-off show called “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.” It premiered in January 2021 to the delight of many die-hard fans and was renewed for a second and third season, with a fourth confirmed to be in the works.

Other Ways To Play Wheel of Fortune

Anyone who loves the show has definitely wanted to give the wheel a whirl themselves at some point or another. The great news is that there are plenty of different ways to get in on the action and play. For example, there are many board game variations of the game show created by popular toy companies like Pressman Toy Corporation and Irwin Toys, to name a few. There are also several video games that have been released over the years, some of which can be played online and others that are also played via gaming consoles, such as Nintendo.

These games are usually suitable for two or more players, making them excellent for date nights and social gatherings. A staple at digital casinos, online betting is always cause for fun and excitement, but you can’t put a price on time spent with loved ones and cherished friends.

Fans of online slots will be thrilled to discover that there are excellent online slot machines based on the show’s concept and aesthetic. In fact, it’s estimated that well over 200 Wheel of Fortune casino slot games have been created since the mid-1990s for both land-based casinos and online casinos alike.

Play Slots Online: Wheel of Fortune

A group of friends cheer after a win at a slot machine.

One of the unspoken rules of successful casinos is to always cater to your audience. If you’re interested in giving Wheel of Fortune online slots a go, you needn’t look any further than the BetMGM online casino for variety games of this nature. The casino has all the latest casino games on offer, with a variety of bonuses and promotions offered regularly. Here are a few of the games on offer when you join BetMGM’s online community.

Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin

When you’re playing at an online casino for real money, Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin is just one example to add to your “must-play” list. The classic 5-reel slot game is one of the most sought-after slot favorites in Las Vegas and is now available to play online. 

Powered by IGT, Triple Extreme Spin gives players a strong sense of nostalgia as they enjoy the stunning retro visuals, mesmerizing animations and old-school soundtrack. The return to player (RTP) ranges between 92 and 96%, with 720 ways to win on each spin. 

Load up with as little as 50 or as many as 2,500 credits per spin, depending on whether or not you’re feeling lucky, to potentially earn a maximum payout of 500,000 coins. On top of that, look out for the Mini Wheel Bonus feature when you land three or more scatter logos, as well as the Triple Extreme Spin Bonus, where you can score some impressive multipliers ranging from 2x to 5,000x your initial stake.

Wheel of Fortune On Tour

For many, Wheel of Fortune On Tour is a go-to when the desire to play online slot machines arises. The game has an undeniably authentic look and feel, sporting several attractive symbols, such as the famous Wheel of Fortune wheel, the White House, Mount Rushmore and more.

It’s another Wheel of Fortune adaption designed by gaming company IGT and is one of the company’s talked-about Level Up Plus games. In this type of IGT game, you’ll unlock more features and improve your chances of winning the longer you play, “leveling up” through time spent in-game. 

Wheel of Fortune On Tour boasts 5 reels and 30 paylines with a Wheelmobile Wilds feature, where up to four types of any symbol are selected at random and turned into wilds. There’s also a Spin to Win Bonus feature where you can choose a letter from the word “WHEEL” to land an instant prize worth as much as 400x the stake.

Register To Play Slots Online

At BetMGM, you can look forward to playing hundreds of casino table games and renowned online slot machine favorites, including the adaptations mentioned above. Along with slot games, there’s also a broad selection of the best live dealer online casino games and up-to-the-minute sports betting. Register to play via the convenient mobile portal and enjoy extensive options for first-class entertainment.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.