WMS Gaming never ceases to captivate

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Updated: January 23, 2012 1:55AM

Judging by new products the company unveiled at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, slot games developed by WMS Gaming will continue to captivate players around the world.

Exciting new applications of patented WMS technological capabilities — including Adaptive Gaming, Community Gaming, Transmissive Reels and Sensory Immersion Gaming platforms — will take some powerful slot themes to new heights.

One of the most anticipated is the next generation of the Wizard of Odds with a game called the Great and Powerful Oz.

The interactive component allows each player to become his or her favorite character on a journey to the Emerald City to encounter the Wizard of Oz himself.

Further expansion of the company’s innovative take on the iconic TV game show “The Price is Right” will unleash the Ultimate Show application.

The game features local-area progressive bonuses that immerse participants in the essence of the show, giving one player the opportunity to experience one of four bonus levels.

The biggest news could be WMS Gaming’s launch of the Godfather brand, which is the first multilevel progressive that allows players to win their way up the levels.

“Godfather” fans will have a choice of two themes, the 243-ways My Daughter’s Wedding and the 25-line Corleone’s Office.

Both themes are local-area progressive slots that engage players with entertaining aspects of both sides of the Don’s life.

Players who trigger the multilevel progressive can wager portions of their progressive wins for chances to earn higher-level prizes until they receive the offer they cannot refuse.

WMS is also coming out with the next round of Monopoly, one of the most popular branded themes in gaming history.

Around the Globe will bring Mr. Monopoly back for a hot air balloon race around the globe in pursuit of riches.

Available in both local- and wide-area progressives, Monopoly Around the Globe features Transmissive Reels technology and is programmed with incremental bonus round components.

The next generation of WMS Gaming’s Sensory Immersion games is Attack from Mars.

This slot will thoroughly engage players in interactive participation by allowing them a choice of defending Earth as human beings or helping destroy it as Martians.

The game includes a pair of “wild” features and four comical bonus levels.

Casino news

Congratulations to Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, Ind., for garnering top honors in five categories among Chicago-area casino properties in Strictly Slots magazine’s 2010 Best of Slots readers poll.

Blue Chip was the top vote-getter in the Best Overall Hotel Casino category and also was honored for Best Overall Casino, Best Overall Hotel, Best Hotel Rooms and Best Steakhouse (William B’s).

John G. Brokopp’s Beat the Odds tips air at 8:20 a.m., 2:50 p.m. and 10:42 p.m. Sundays on WBBM-AM (780). The freelance casino columnist and author can be reached at jbrokopp@comcast.net.