IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” chant.

“Downtown Grand was delighted to have the world premiere of IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin ETG solution on our gaming floor. Our guests instantly connected with the Wheel of Fortune brand and are eager to try their favorite slots brand in a new format. The stature and appeal of game’s accompanying ‘Big Wheel’ is inspiring a wide range of players to give the new game a try,” said Paul Phillips, Director of Casino Operations at Downtown Grand Las Vegas.

“Building on the continued success of IGT’s GameAce Roulette and Mesa4K terminals across North America, we are thrilled to introduce Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin to ETG players. The successful launch of Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin at Downtown Grand Casino speaks to the excitement that we can bring to a gaming floor, the universal appeal of the Wheel of Fortune brand, and IGT’s commitment to delivering game-changing innovation,” said Nick Khin, CEO of Gaming at IGT.

IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin game is enjoyed on the Company’s GameAce ETG offering and features an intuitive gameplay design. To make a wager, players select a color-coded bet amount that corresponds with the colored wedges on the game’s digital Wheel of Fortune wheel. Players win when their wager matches the digital spin outcome, filling in letters in the game’s iconic puzzle board. The game’s Fortune Spin Bonus and Jackpot Bonus activate the solution’s large physical wheel, delivering a highly visible and recognizable win celebration on the gaming floor.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.

The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.

Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.

September marks Responsible Gaming Education Month, and FanDuel, the premier online gaming company in North America, announced the addition of Keith Whyte as a Responsible Gaming Strategic Advisor. In his role, Keith will offer insights on the company’s Responsible Gaming strategy and programs, including identifying new opportunities for advocacy and advancing partnerships, as well as leading and developing various events to further a culture of Responsible Gaming.

Whyte will also contribute to FanDuel’s ongoing Responsible Gaming initiatives, including consulting on and creating new content for the Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting program. This program, which was created last year in partnership with EPIC Global Solutions and FanDuel Responsible Gaming Ambassadors Randy Livingston and Anita Ondine Smith, is designed to equip trusted adults, including parents, guardians and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, associated risks, how to recognize warning signs and where to go for support.

Whyte is Founder and President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC, and joins FanDuel with over 30 years of experience in the responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention space. Notably, he served as the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling for over 25 years, leading efforts to offer and promote awareness of treatment and support for individuals experiencing gambling harm. He is known for his advocacy, policy and program experiences and will bring significant knowledge of the industry, along with relationships across national and state gambling organizations to FanDuel.

“We are honored to have Keith Whyte join our team as a strategic advisor for our responsible gaming programming. At FanDuel, we are committed to elevating the industry standard for Responsible Gaming. We’re excited to welcome Keith to our Responsible Gaming team and are confident his experience and subject matter knowledge will further strengthen our leadership in this space,” said Cory Fox, FanDuel Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Sustainability.

“FanDuel has consistently demonstrated industry leading commitment to Responsible Gaming, and I’ve long admired their proactive approach. I’m thrilled to join the team and contribute my experience to further advancing FanDuel’s efforts in promoting safe and responsible play,” said Keith Whyte.