Themed slot machines that reel in the players
¶Walking across a casino floor can at times be like a walk through Hollywood history. Themed slot machines inspired by television shows, movies and celebrities have become increasingly common. ¶ Last week, Bally Technologies announced a Michael Jackson-themed machine that the company will debut at the 2011 Global Gaming Expo, which began Monday. For casinos, slot machines are some of the highest grossers, and the popularity of the themed machines can generate significant revenue. Here are some of the top-played machines in casinos:
Sex and the City
The "Sex and the City" slot machine came about when HBO's licensing chief, James Costos, pitched the idea to IGT in 2008. The pink, sparkling machines feature the leading ladies of the franchise and landed on casino floors in 2009 and became an instant hit. The virtual digital-slot has several bonus rounds featuring pink cosmopolitans, diamonds and Mr. Big congratulating you on your winnings.
Wheel of Fortune
In 1997, IGT produced the "Wheel of Fortune" game with a bonus wheel and sound effects from the popular television game show. Unlike many themed slots that fade in popularity in a few years, "Wheel of Fortune" continues to be a top performer. Many versions of the game have been released, some attached to a progressive jackpot.
Betty Boop's Love Meter
Featuring the 1930s cartoon icon Betty Boop, the Love Meter is a multiprogressive machine that has several bonus features. The main feature — "How Hot Are You?" — involves a touchscreen display. Players place their hands on the display to register their "romantic potential." The bonus can lead to one of the three progressives displayed on the machine tower. Because of Betty Boop's popularity, Bally will unveil Betty Boop's Fortune Teller this week.
The Hangover
Last year, IGT and Warner Bros. teamed up for a "Hangover" slot machine, which was unveiled with the release of the sequel to the hit movie starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha. The game features character-themed progressive bonuses and bonuses based on memorable moments from the movie — a Stun Gun bonus, Wedding Chapel bonus, Mr. Chow's Freaky Free Games and the Deal in the Desert bonus, among others.
Playboy Hot Zone
Playboy fans who dream of playing with animated Playmates have made this five-reel slot a hit. The game features Bally's patented Hot Zone Play Mechanic, in which an overlay appears over reels and all symbols under the overlay become wild — earning credits — and sometimes showing a dance from Playboy kingpin Hugh Hefner and his companions.
