Strictly Slots December 2022

JACKPOTS OF THE MONTH

LIONS DELUXE KICKS OFF AT BETMGM A s“Spinning Reels”readers may remember, the NFL recently launched into agreements for franchise themed slot games to soon make their way to the casino floor.One of the first of those gridiron games, Lions Deluxe, actually recently debuted online via the BetMGM betting platform in Michigan.The company became the team’s first official sports betting partner in September 2020. The agreement includes co-branding efforts on programming, digital marketing and in-stadium promotions and signage.With the expansion of sports betting, the NFL has been more accepting of gambling-related marketing efforts. “We are thrilled to continue to expand our relationship with the Detroit Lions as we bring another great title to our list of Lions branded games,”BetMGM Director of Gaming Oliver Bartlett said.“BetMGM continues to set the standard for casino games in the state of Michigan and we are excited to continue to develop great games for players in the state.” Lions Deluxe extends BetMGM’s partnership with digital slot designer Everi Digital.The Lions game features a classic three-reel virtual slot machine with a built-in“nudge” feature to provide the potential for players to win more spins or one of four separate jackpot prizes. It may have been over six decades since Detroit has won an NFL championship, but no doubt many Lions fans will be hoping to rack up plenty of their own wins with a bit more regularity than their hometown team. game imaginable, but certainly packs a punch with collectors.The machine was designed to function similar to a roulette wheel and features a rich oak cabinet with some amazingly crafted decorative nickel-plated iron castings.Those looking for some gambling action would deposit nickels into any of the seven coin slots and pull a lever to spin the wheel. Just as at a roulette table, a ball would bounce around the wheel under the glass, ultimately determining the payout.The machine comes with a bit of Sin City history.The vintage game was housed in the Las Vegas Club in the 1970s. “This is the finest original Caille Roulette we have seen and deserves a second or third look by collectors,”MorphyAuctions noted in its sales catalog. “Original machines of this caliber do not come to auction often, and this example is truly entitled to the ‘best of the best’ distinction.”

Talking Stick & Winning Big The massively popular game Wheel of Fortune once again lived up to its name on Nov. 11.A player atTalking Stick Resort in Scottsdale,AZ,

cashed in for more than $1.3 million.Wheel games have

paid more than 1,100 million-dollar jackpots.

“It’s incredibly exciting to give away a jackpot of this size,”said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations forTalking Stick Resort.“We are all thrilled for the winner and also honor their request to remain anonymous.We wish them all the best as they celebrate their win privately.” Seven Figures at 7 Cedars Another player cracked $1.2 million on Dancing Drums Explosion.The win came via the Million Degrees Progressive Link on a $5.88 bet. Light &Wonder’s Dancing Drums Explosion features imagery from the original Asian-themed game restored with a gold explosion. Money on the Menu Another slot player had to settle for a lower sum on a trip to Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Carlsbad, CA.A resident of Madera cashed in for a bit more than $600,000 on a $7 spin of the reels onTimberWolf Diamond.No doubt it was a nice night for winner JonathanA. The jackpot winner works as a sous chef and planned to invest some of his winnings back into his family business.A few desserts were probably in order for the chef and family as well. “Every win for our Chukchansi guests is a win for us, too,” the casino’s Marketing Director Deann Kamalani said.“Our guests are like family, and when they hit it big,we celebrate right along with them.” seven figures in recording a jackpot in November. At 7 Cedars Hotel & Casino in Sequim Bay,WA, the player found a massive payday of

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and senior writer for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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