Light & Wonder Unveils Innovative Squid Game Slot Machine At Yaamava’ Casino

Light & Wonder has officially launched its much-anticipated Squid Game slot machine, bringing the captivating elements of Netflix’s most popular series to casino floors.

The world premiere took place at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, marking the first collaboration between Netflix and a gambling entity. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in the entertainment and gaming industries, merging the narratives of the show with cutting-edge gaming technology.

The Squid Game slot machine integrates memorable games from the series, including Red Light, Green Light; Tug of War; and The Glass Tile. Fans of the show can now immerse themselves in these high-stakes challenges, and the potential rewards should appeal to casino regulars.

“The introduction of the Squid Game slot machine is a testament to our commitment to delivering unique and engaging gaming experiences. By bringing such a culturally significant and widely recognized theme to our cutting-edge HORIZON and COSMIC cabinets, we are offering players an unparalleled level of excitement and immersion, while giving our customers a truly innovative product.”

— Light & Wonder Chief Product Officer of Gaming Nathan Drane

Light & Wonder’s new large-screen jumbo cabinet, HORIZON, serves as the debut platform for the Squid Game slot machine. The HORIZON cabinet represents the next evolution of the company’s jumbo cabinet series, featuring a 75-inch screen with 600,000 individual micro-LED pixels, expanding the display area to 90 inches.

This impressive visual setup is designed to provide players with an immersive gaming experience. Adding to that experience is a large, transparent IDECK with integrated lighting, a 27-inch touch screen, mobile charger, and dual play buttons.

Netflix gets in the game

The unveiling of the Squid Game slot machine at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino comes after its initial presentation at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) last year. The game has already garnered significant attention in the digital sphere with an adaptation released earlier this year. This dual approach of physical and digital releases underscores Light & Wonder’s strategy to cement its position as a leading cross-platform global games company.

Netflix’s entry into the gambling industry through this partnership with Light & Wonder is a bold move, reflecting the streaming giant’s strategy to diversify its revenue streams and leverage its popular intellectual properties in new markets.

The gaming industry has seen a growing trend of incorporating popular culture into casino games, creating a synergy between entertainment and gambling. Light & Wonder’s approach with the Squid Game slot machine is a prime example of how gaming companies are evolving to meet the changing tastes and preferences of their audiences.

By integrating popular narratives and characters into their products, these companies are not only enhancing the gaming experience but also expanding their reach to broader demographics. FanDuel Casino has enjoyed success this year with its exclusive Willy Wonka-themed online slot, which is also a Light & Wonder product.

The Squid Game hype

Squid Game is a South Korean-created dystopian thriller that captivated audiences worldwide upon its Netflix debut in September 2021. The series revolves around a mysterious, high-stakes competition inviting individuals burdened by financial despair to participate in deadly children’s games.

At the heart of the story is Seong Gi-hun, a divorced, debt-ridden gambler struggling to care for his elderly mother. His world is turned upside down when he receives a peculiar invitation to join the game. The series follows his perilous journey as he grapples with life-or-death challenges while confronting moral dilemmas.

Squid Game swiftly ascended to global prominence, shattering viewership records and becoming Netflix’s most-watched series. Critical acclaim and numerous awards followed, including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a groundbreaking 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, making history as the first non-English language series to compete for the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy.

Production for the highly anticipated second season commenced in July 2023, with a scheduled release date of Dec. 26, 2024. Netflix has also confirmed plans for a third and final season, slated for a 2025 premiere.