Light & Wonder and Warner Bros. Strike Deal for New Licensed Online Slots

Article ByDavid Weir

July 12, 2023

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Posted in: US Gambling News, US Casino News

Light & Wonder, the Las Vegas-based provider of casino games technology, and global media giant Warner Bros Discovery Global Themed Entertainment have announced a new licensing deal that expands on their existing agreement.  

This deal will allow Light & Wonder to create online slots and other games based on Warner Bros.’ extensive portfolio of copyrighted brands.

Warner Bros is valued at around $30 billion, based on market cap. It owns some of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises. That includes the DC Universe, HBO TV shows like “Game of Thrones”, “Scooby Doo”, the Middle Earth setting of Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter Wizarding World setting.

The official press release from Light & Wonder also announced two new online slot games themed around classic Warner Bros properties. Light & Wonder’s Willy Wonka and Wizard of Oz online slots are expected to launch in 2024.

“This is a huge step forward in terms of presenting our omni-channel vision to the world, as we continue to develop the most entertaining branded content available anywhere on the market,” said Light & Wonder CEO of iGaming Dylan Slaney.

Related: Our expert guide to Light & Wonder games

Legendary Portfolio

This multi-year agreement will enable Light & Wonder to use Warner Bros’ copyrighted brands to create slot games for online casinos.

This is a significant expansion of their previous agreement, which was limited to land-based casino games. The new deal marks a significant step forward in Light & Wonder’s omni-channel strategy.

The first title to be released under this agreement is an online remake of the existing land-based slot Willy Wonka: World Of Wonka. It is based on the hit 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The new online slot game will be available on the OpenGaming aggregation platform for release in the US, UK, and European markets.

“The Warner Bros Discovery brand portfolio is legendary, and our partnership has led to the creation of some of the world’s most popular casino content, including Willy Wonka: World Of Wonka,

“To bring this title online for the first time is incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait to deliver for our operator partners and their players.”

Entertaining Branded Content

The partnership will also see the development of a game titled The Wizard of Oz: Road to Emerald City, expected to be released in 2024.

Light & Wonder will also leverage several other Warner Bros Discovery brands to create slot titles for OpenGaming.

“This is a huge step forward in terms of presenting our omni-channel vision to the world, as we continue to develop the most entertaining branded content available anywhere on the market,” said Slaney.

This partnership is a significant development in online casino gaming. Light & Wonder’s branded slots are popular at casinos across the US and worldwide, so fans will no doubt be excited to try them and new games at online casinos.

Warner Bros Discovery is one of the biggest media corporations in the world, valued at $30 billion. Light & Wonder has a market cap of $6.16 billion.

At the time of writing, its shares were priced 2.13% up on the start of trading on the day of the announcement.

Related: Our review of WMS’ Wizard of Oz slot