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MGM Springfield and gaming technology company IGT on Tuesday, Nov. 3, unveiled what they call Massachusetts’ first wide-area progressive (WAP) slot games. The network links 20 “Wheel of Fortune” slot machines to shared jackpots. Every bet adds to the prize pool, so the jackpot grows as more people play.
After a win, each game’s jackpot resets to a preset amount between $200,000 and $1.125 million. MGM Springfield opened a dedicated Wheel of Fortune Slots Zone on its casino floor to house the machines, making it the first Massachusetts casino to offer the linked jackpots.
Inside MGM Springfield’s new Wheel zone
The zone mixes new and established IGT slots on the latest cabinets, the machines that house the individual games. Titles include:
- “Wheel of Fortune Big Money” on the Wheel of Fortune Trio cabinet
- “Cash Link Reels Double Diamond” and “Double Gold” on the DiamondRS Wheel cabinet
- “Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Spin” runs on the MegaTower cabinet
- “Triple Stars Gold Spin Deluxe” runs on the CrystalWheel Stepper cabinet
Each game has its own starting jackpot. Prizes keep climbing until someone wins, then reset and start growing again.
Executives say launch sets Springfield apart
Ariam Aponte, MGM Springfield’s vice president of casino operations, said the launch continues the casino’s history of introducing new gaming experiences. He said the zone gives the resort an edge by offering Massachusetts players jackpot opportunities they haven’t had before.
IGT CEO Hector Fernandez said the launch gives players a new way to enjoy “Wheel of Fortune” slots as the series turns 30. He said IGT has helped shape the WAP category for decades, and the Springfield launch builds on that record while opening opportunities for casino customers and their players.
Wheel of Fortune slots turn 30
IGT introduced its first “Wheel of Fortune” slot games in 1996. The company says more than 300 versions have paid out over $3.6 billion in jackpots and created more than 1,200 millionaires. Sony Pictures Television, which produces the TV show, has given IGT an exclusive license to make slot games based on it through 2034.
The show is based on the game show now in its 44th season. Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White returned as co-hosts for the season, which premiered Sept. 14 and introduced a rapid-fire opening segment called “Fortune Frenzy.”
Online casino bill waits for 2027
Massachusetts residents can gamble legally at licensed casinos statewide, but online casino games such as slots and blackjack remain illegal. Rep. David Muradian of Grafton sought to change that with House Bill 4431, which the House referred to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies in August 2025.
The bill didn’t advance. On March 23, the House attached a study order to the bill, which effectively shelves it for the rest of the 2025-26 session. Muradian has said he plans to reintroduce it in 2027.
Under the bill, each of the state’s three licensed casinos could operate up to three real-money online casino brands under Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversight. Online gaming revenue, meaning what casinos keep after paying out winnings, would be taxed at 15%.
The bill would also ban sweepstakes casinos, which offer casino-style games through a sweepstakes model rather than a gambling license and face growing scrutiny in other states. Supporters say legal online casinos would raise tax revenue. Opponents worry about the effect on the state lottery and land-based casinos, and on people vulnerable to gambling harm.
If an online casino bill passes, Massachusetts would join New Jersey, Michigan and other states that allow online casino gaming.
