Wheel of Fortune Slot

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Ah, Wheel of Fortune. Three of the most enticing words in all of the casino world. Land-based slots come in so many flavours nowadays that there are very few universal truths. Everyone plays Dragon Link. That’s one. Everyone has at least one version of Buffalo that they like. That’s another. And everyone loves a wheel. That’s the last.

If you want to trace the average slots players’ love of a bonus wheel feature back to the beginning, then you land at Wheel of Fortune.

Of course, Wheel of Fortune by IGT is based on the legendary TV game show, and it tries its best to capture the glamour, suspense, and excitement of hearing that famous phrase: “Spin the wheel!”

But it’s also much more than that, because Wheel of Fortune is slot heritage. Whilst it wasn’t the first slot game that had a bonus feature, it was the game that popularised them. And they are still on the casino floor today. Okay, so they are not there in the huge numbers they once were, but you’ll struggle to find a casino without one.

In fact, it’s considered one of the most successful slot franchises of all time, spawning multiple editions such as Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin, Wheel of Fortune 4D, and Wheel of Fortune Megaways.

Let’s focus mainly on the 1996 original, though. The classic.

Although Wheel of Fortune is based on the game show, it’s still just a slot. More modern incarnations in the video slots era have a video hostess on the screen to glam it all up. Still, you certainly don’t get the feeling you’re on a game show.

Essentially, the actual wheel and the name of the game are the only things that really connect it to the show, so if you’re hoping for a nostalgia-fest, you may end up disappointed. Similarly, if you’re looking for a fancy modern screen and visuals, Wheel of Fortune won’t be for you.

It’s a mechanical three-reel game for a start. That means it tings, beeps, and clanks at you more than anything. It’s all very simplistic, but many would say beautifully so.

The really defining feature, though, is the wheel. It is designed just like the game show one, with different coloured segments with credit values on them. When you get to spin it, it clicks in the same way as the iconic one. It’s an actual wheel, too, in case you were wondering. It’s not a video of one. That makes it much more sexy.

In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say that the wheel on Wheel of Fortune is perhaps the single most dominant design feature of any slot machine ever made. You see it. You want to spin it. You need to spin it. You must spin it again. And again.

Say what you want about old school mechanical slot games, but they were indeed masters of simplicity. Sometimes, when you sit down at a slot game, you could spend half an hour reading the game rules, make notes, spend another hour studying those notes, and yet still be utterly bemused the first time you eventually hit the spin button.

That is certainly not the case with Wheel of Fortune. You sit down, put your money in, and push the button (or pull the lever if you’re feeling particularly nostalgic). You might get a winning payline, but what you’re really looking for is three Wheel of Fortune symbols on any payline.

At a glance:

• 3-reel mechanical
• Paylines: 1-3
• Denominations typically $1, $5, or $25 for high-limit versions
• Bet levels: 1-3 credits per spin
• Progressive in some versions, the fixed top prize is more common
• Bonus Wheel Spin feature
• RTP: Around 95% (varies by casino regulations)
• Volatility: Medium to High

Should you land those three symbols, a simple beep-boop-beep-boop electro-jingle will play, and you will be invited to spin the wheel. Whatever the wheel lands on, you win.

And that’s about it. There really isn’t much to know. Simple, but brilliantly beautiful. I know it doesn’t sound much, but I urge you to put yourself in the chair and you’ll understand.

What I should stress is that the values on the wheel are not dollar amounts; they are credit awards. Your dollar reward will depend on what denomination you are playing. For example, if you are playing a $1 denomination machine and you land on 75 on the wheel, you win $75 (75 credits at $1 credit value, 75x$1 essentially. However, if you are playing a $2 denomination, you would win $150 (75x$2) or $375 on a $5 denomination (75x$5).

Of course, if you play the higher denomination machines, you are betting more as well, so bear that in mind.
Generally, Wheel of Fortune can pay out significant sums. Many have a story of landing the 1000 segment on the wheel on a $1 bet. The paylines are generally underwhelming, though, and every now and then you’ll land a minimal value on the wheel too. Such is the slot life, though.

Some versions of the old-school Wheel of Fortune slots might offer free games and progressive jackpots on the wheel as well. However, not all do.  It really depends on which machines have survived the test of time on any given casino floor.

Wheel of Fortune may be old school, but it is not so old school that you shouldn’t insert your rewards club card when you play. Always do that. It’s probably a decent game to play for recycling money and earning maximum points, too, due to the medium volatility, so it should help you gain a few comps along the way.

What’s not to like? Wheel of Fortune is a classic for a reason. If you’re a slots player, playing Wheel of Fortune is less gambling and more a pilgrimage. It’s that important in the slots story.

It’s clean, easy to understand, and has a bonus feature that inspired all others. Something about the mechanical, physical nature of the reels and wheel really appeals to the senses, too.

Yes, some modern slot players may find it a bit too simplistic now, and I can understand that. Even for me, it’s more of an occasional guest slot rather than part of my regular rotation of games. Video reels and enormous flashy cabinets have definitely raised expectations among players, and there is no point in denying that.

But Wheel of Fortune’s charm is perpetuated for decades, so playing it feels like you’re peering through a window into history. That should never be taken for granted, especially given how often the casino floor changes.