BetMGM sponsors progressive jackpot, brings back free spin in Wheel of Fortune's Big Winners Tournament

iGaming and sports betting operator BetMGM is returning to sponsor another week of Wheel of Fortune, bringing back its progressive jackpot and the Free Spin token for the BetMGM Big Winners Tournament, airing from September 30 to October 4. Following its successful Big Money Week sponsorship in May, BetMGM will continue its partnership with the popular game show as it enters its 42nd season.

The tournament will feature four episodes of high-scoring competition, culminating in a Friday Face-Off between the top three contestants. The BetMGM-sponsored progressive jackpot will start at $5,000 per episode and increase with each spin, ultimately forming a cumulative jackpot for the final Bonus Round. The jackpot will be awarded only if the contestant solves the Bonus Puzzle in Friday's final round.

BetMGM is also reintroducing the Free Spin token, a fan-favorite gameplay element, for the week. Contestants who land on the BetMGM Free Spin wedge can use the token to continue their turn in cases where they might otherwise lose it, such as landing on a bankrupt space or making an incorrect letter guess.

As part of the campaign, BetMGM will partner with former contestant Tavaris Williams, whose viral puzzle-solving mishap during Big Money Week gained widespread attention. Williams will be featured in social content across BetMGM's channels throughout the tournament week.

"There were so many great moments during 'Big Money Week,' including the 8,000th Wheel of Fortune episode and Tavaris' viral response," said Matt Prevost, BetMGM's Chief Revenue Officer. "It was an easy decision to sponsor another week of Wheel of Fortune excitement, and we look forward to celebrating 'Big Winners' on the show and the BetMGM app."

In collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, BetMGM branding will be integrated into the show with co-branded graphics, on-set logo placements, and a jackpot ticker above the puzzle board. 

Home viewers will also be able to participate for a chance to win the Daily Jackpot during the first four episodes. Additionally, registered BetMGM users in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ontario can spin a virtual Big Money Wheel for chances to win casino bonuses, a Wheel of Fortune Studio tour, or $5,000.

BetMGM’s involvement with Wheel of Fortune extends beyond the game show. In March 2023, the company partnered with IGT to launch Wheel of Fortune online casino, North America's first brand-led online casino, expanding to Ontario in August 2024. Wheel of Fortune-themed slot games have been a fixture in casinos for over 25 years.

Wheel of Fortune remains one of the most popular syndicated game shows, attracting more than 9.1 million viewers nightly and 21.5 million unique weekly viewers.