News: The iconic Wheel of Fortune slot machine turns 25

SPINNING WHEEL

Vanna White and IGT celebrate 25 years of Wheel of Fortune slots

BY C. MOON REED W henever Vanna White visits Las Vegas, the glamorous television game show host moonlights as a surprise good luck charm. “When I see people playing Wheel of Fortune slots, I go up to them, I rub my hand on the slot machine and I say, ‘This is for good luck. Hi, I’m Vanna.’ And then I walk off,” White tells the Weekly. “They just freak out. Because there they are, minding their own business, playing their game, and then I show up.”

White was in town recently to celebrate the 25th anniversary of IGT’s Wheel of Fortune slot franchise at this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E). “It’s incredible,” White says. “I can’t believe that it’s been 25 years, and it’s still going strong. It’s still just as fun as it was on day one.”

The anniversary isn’t just an achievement for gaming company IGT or for a game show that has been on air since 1975; it’s a piece of Las Vegas history. Wheel of Fortune was the first-ever licensed, branded game on the casino floor, according to Boris Hallerbach, director of premium content for IGT. Countless TV shows, movies and celebrity brands have since followed suit.

And unlike, say, a sitcom-branded slot machine, Wheel of Fortune has a natural connection to gaming. “I think the biggest draw for Wheel of Fortune slot players is spinning the wheel,” Hallerbach says. “If they’re a fan of the TV show, [they] dream of spinning the wheel on TV, and this gets them close to that.”

White sees even more reasons for players to connect. “When you think of Wheel of Fortune, you think of winning money and having fun, and it’s the same with the slot machines,” White says. “It’s almost like it’s one big, happy family. You feel like you’re part of Wheel of Fortune when you’re playing that. I was playing it yesterday and just the music, it’s like, oh my gosh, I feel like I’m at work.”

Wheel of Fortune is now in its 39th season on television, and Hallerbach says parent company Sony keeps the show fresh by evolving with the times: “They’ve kept their style guide up-to-date. … The puzzles are relevant and current.”

IGT has done the same. “We’ve taken that style guide, we’ve applied it to slot mechanics that we know work for players,” Hallerbach says. “As slot

NEWS

FUN FACTS

■ IGT debuted 14 Wheel of Fortune-themed games at G2E 2021 ■ More than 250 variations of the game have been made ■ Wheel has awarded more that $3.3 billion in jackpots ■ Wheel has minted more than 1,100 millionaires ■ Wheel pays out a $100,000-plus jackpot every 65 hours, on average

The iconic Wheel of Fortune slot machine (Courtesy IGT)

players have evolved over the years, we’ve evolved the game mechanics.”

Among the latest innovations is a 4D slot machine, which combines 3D visuals with the ability to swipe in midair to spin the wheel. Video, audio and music complete the experience. “We’re authentic to the sounds, the Wheel of Fortune chant,” Hallerbach says. “If you walk through the airport, you’ll hear that Wheel of Fortune chant.”

There’s no reason to mess with success, as they say, so expect the wheel to continue spinning. “As long as we have the license with Sony, we’re gonna keep putting R&D development into it,” Hallerbach says. “It’s been such a great brand for us.”

TURNING LETTERS

Quick hitters with Vanna White

What’s your favorite part of being in a slot machine? Making people happy and rich. And having fun.

Do you ever gamble yourself? Yes. I think playing slots is fun. … I like a little bit of everything to tell you the truth. I get bored. I like to move around.

How often do you visit Las Vegas? Not as often as I’d like. I love Las Vegas. I love their food. I love their entertainment. I love their gambling. The people are so nice. … It’s a great escape. And fortunately, in Los Angeles, I don’t live far.

What is your favorite game show, other than your own? I love Jeopardy. And I’m not saying that because it’s part of our show. I’ve watched Jeopardy for years and years and years.

(Courtesy IGT)

As a Wheel of Fortune co-host, how often are you tempted to yell out the puzzle answers? It’s hard not to, because I do know the answers beforehand. I have to know where to go, where the letters are. But I’m always trying to send telepathic letters to [contestants], especially in the bonus round. It’s like, “Call the P!” I can’t say that, of course. But in my head, I’m [telling] them to call the letters that are in the puzzle.

How do your famous on-air outfits work? I have a stylist, and we have contracts with several designers. They send their clothes to the studio. ... They let me borrow them for 30 minutes. I’ve worn over 7,000 dresses. … But my shoes are my own!

Any favorite dresses? My favorite ones are the loose-fitting ones. … I kinda like the short ones, too. The long ones are absolutely gorgeous … but sometimes it’s hard to walk. I’m afraid I’m going to trip or something. But they’re still fun to wear.

How do you stay so fit and fabulous? I have to stay the same size, because I wear sample dresses. My biggest fear is—we do fittings every two or three weeks—am I gonna be able to fit into this? That has inspired me to stay in shape. I do Pilates, yoga, I spin on a bike and do weights usually four or five times a week.

What’s it like working with Pat Sajak? Fortunately, we like each other. For 39 years, we have been together, and it’s like a great brother-sister team. … I can look at him, when he comes in, and tell if he’s in a bad mood or good mood. He can tell, when we walk out, if I like the dress I’m wearing, like if it’s uncomfortable or something.

Why did they change the puzzle letters from physical to digital on the TV show? In 1997, I said, ‘Is there any way you can make my job easier?’ No, I didn’t really say that. I promise. The reason why they changed it to the computerized [letters] is because it saved a lot of production time with the show.

What do you do for fun? I have my own line of yarn! It’s called Vanna’s Choice. I donate half my proceeds to St. Jude [Children’s Research Hospital]. I’ve donated over $2 million to them. I think it’s important to give back. And I’m so thankful for all these years of being able to be on the show. –C. Moon Reed

LEGENDARY NEVADANS AND THEIR STOMPING GROUNDS 18351910

+Nevada has a rich and colorful history—one that includes noble, heroic figures, as well as Wild West shootouts, mob activity, gambling and intriguing individuals of all kinds. With Nevada Day observed this year on Oct. 29, we’ve rounded up a list of Silver State legends and where you can follow in their footsteps today. Use this as a blueprint for your next trip, inspiration for your bucket list or to just simply bask in Nevada pride.

Full disclosure: You’re not going to find the Rat Pack or mobsters on this list, though they are Nevada legends. We’re looking at a few notable folks outside the Las Vegas Valley.

There are few authors more meaningful to American literature than MARK TWAIN. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Missouri, he moved in 1861 to the Nevada territory, where he adopted his pen name, Mark Twain. Many of the experiences he had in Northern Nevada would later inform his writing.

EARLIEST INHABITANTS

It’s believed that Nevada’s earliest inhabitants trace back about 12,400 years, dated by petroglyphs and archeological sites in locations such as Valley of Fire State Park, Gold Butte National Monument and Basin and Range National Monument. ANCESTRAL PUEBLOANS, WESTERN SHOSHONE and NORTHERN PAIUTES

are only some of the American Indians who call Nevada’s Great Basin home. Today, there are 27 Indian reservations, bands and colonies in Nevada.

1829- 1925

DAT SO LA LEE was a famous basket weaver of the Washoe people in the northwestern part of the state. Her baskets are so celebrated and well-known, you can find them in museums across the country, including the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Locally, the Nevada Historical Society in Reno and the Nevada State Museum in Carson City have her willow baskets on display.

The hot springs at David Walley’s Resort in Carson Valley, near Genoa, was a well-known stomping grounds for Twain. Soak in the mineral-rich waters Twain, fellow frontiersmen and countless guests have enjoyed since its inception in 1862.

Unionville is near where Twain tried his hand at mining and where his cabin still stands today. If you head up to this area, stop at the Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn.

The Delta Saloon in Virginia City was a place Twain was known to spend many a raucous night.

1826 1903

JULIA BULETTE was

once Virginia City’s most beloved prostitute, and today, she’s somewhat of a folk heroine. She was known for caring for sick miners and raising money for the Union during the Civil War. Sadly, Bulette met a gruesome end and was found murdered in her bedroom. As a show of respect, the mines, mills and saloons in Virginia City closed to mourn her passing.

EILLEY BOWERS was one of the richest women in the country and the state’s first female millionaire, amassing more than $4 million during the mining boom. But millionaire mine owner wasn’t her only title—she was also a purported fortune teller, socialite and prospector.

Check out a surviving piece of her legacy at Bowers Mansion Regional Park in Washoe Valley. The estate hasn’t changed in 150 years, making it an incredible opportunity to step back in time. Hightail it to Virginia

City and Gold Hill, where Bowers began her prospecting career.

Don’t miss the oldest hotel in Nevada, Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon, which opened around 1861.

18481929

WYATT EARP was a lawman, gambler and gunfighter in Tombstone, Arizona, before he, and his brother VIRGIL EARP, moved up to central Nevada. They were known to spend time in what are now some of our favorite ghost towns—Tonopah and Goldfield.

Local legend says the Earp brothers frequented the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah. You can still stay at the Mizpah today, where you’ll enjoy the 1900s decadence—and possibly a ghost sighting or two. While in Tonopah, stop at the Central Nevada Museum to learn more about this special part of the state. Another famed Virginia City boomtown character,

TRAVEL NEVADA

1832- 1867

The Cobb Mansion

Bed & Breakfast in

Virginia City is a pristine mansion in one of Nevada’s most historic towns. And they have an entire room honoring Bulette.

Liberty Engine Company #1 State Firemen’s

Museum is a must-stop for history buffs—and an important part of Bulette’s story, as she was named an honorary member of Virginia Engine Number 1 and donated her time and money to the organization.

Virgil Earp worked at a saloon in Goldfield, and both brothers spent time at Hoist House Tavern (now Mozart Tavern) and Santa Fe Saloon—two sagebrush saloons in Goldfield that will take you right back to the 1800s.

Elyzabeth Diaga (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

SHE WILL ROCK YOU

Queens of Rock creator and star Elyzabeth Diaga on launching a successful show during a pandemic

BY BROCK RADKE

Queens of Rock opened at the upstart Mosaic Theater on October 8, 2020, and for a while, it was the only live show in a theater space on the Las Vegas Strip. The rock tribute concert, which focuses on female legends, was created by— and stars—Montreal-born singer Elyzabeth Diaga, who locked down a deal to bring her show to Vegas in December 2019 but delayed the big move while she filmed the Canadian version of The Voice.

Then the pandemic hit, and everything on the Strip shut down—but Diaga kept on going. She moved to Las Vegas last summer, before the new rules were revealed detailing how live entertainment could operate. Her crew couldn’t travel, so she worked with the tiny team at Mosaic and her killer band of experienced local musicians (Christian Brady and James Oleson on guitars, Zach Throne on bass and Alex Papa on drums) to get Queens of Rock up and running, initially for an audience of fewer than 50 people.

Those who have witnessed her perform in a Strip space that once housed Club Utopia and Empire Ballroom understand how a new-to-Vegas tribute show can survive through such challenging circumstances. Diaga is electrifyingly charismatic onstage, and her voice knows no limitations.

(Left to right) Christian Brady, Elyzabeth Diaga and James Oleson

in Queens of Rock (Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

THE WEEKLY Q&A

You found a way to open the show and build a following during some of the toughest points in the pandemic. Performing is what you do, but how did you deal with those challenges mentally? I just focus and go. It was tough, but I was so happy to be opening, even though I didn’t know how many people would come. It was challenging, but I was just happy to be here. And since I was here, I was just going to go with the flow. I was lucky my producer still wanted to do it, and the team at Mosaic was very hands-on, because it was a lot of work for the staff.

Were those initial performances difficult, considering you had such a small audience, which was 25 feet from the stage? Yes, but if there are two people in the room, or 100 or 300, you can still feed on the energy. You send something and you get something back—and even with that little audience, I still felt that. Because I have such an amazing band, it feels to me like I’m in an arena every night, and no matter what happens, I’m very much in contact with the music. I think it’s the only way I could have gone through that.

QUEENS OF ROCK

Thursday-Monday, 7 p.m., $55-$95. Mosaic, 702-444-7622, mosaiconthestrip.com. It’s easy to see that you love this music, and so does your audience. You make that connection as soon as you step onstage. I think a lot of people go into this business to become stars or for money. I’m in it for the connection; that’s what drives me. When the curtain opens, I’m not even thinking. I’m listening and trying to reconnect with these women whose music I’m singing and what they represent.

You switch between icons like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Cher and even Lady Gaga. And though you’re not impersonating their voices—you sing their songs your way—you still represent their tone and spirit. It’s impressive. It’s all instinct. I’ve listened so much to these singers that when I sing, it just comes out like that. It’s like I keep my personality but try to embody the song and the way it was written and performed. And every night when I sing those songs, I remember the first time I heard it.

It also helps that you come out on roller skates for the disco hits of Blondie. What other elements have you added during the past year? I started learning guitar during the pandemic, so that’s a new element. I had to look all over to find a Gibson Melody Maker like Joan Jett’s, and when I finally received it and brought it to the show, all the guys in the band were like, “Oh my God, you really got it! And you got the best deal on the planet!”

Are you looking to make any bigger changes or expand Queens of Rock somehow? I want to be here as long as I can. I never thought I would love it here like this. And what’s cool now is, I have more Quebeckers coming in, because the quarantine is no longer happening in Canada. That’s going to be awesome, since I was on The Voice and people know me there. I’m looking forward to that. I’ve had requests to tour other states like Texas and Utah, and that might be something in the future. But especially after all that’s happened, I’m just living day by day. This is where I am, and I’m happy.