NFL Slot Machines Touch Down at Casinos

Article ByDavid Weir

September 4, 2023

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Posted in: US Casino News, US Gambling News, US Sports Betting News

As the NFL season gears up, casino floors across the U.S. are welcoming the first NFL-themed slot machines. Aristocrat Gaming, an Australian tech giant, unveiled its NFL Super Bowl Jackpots on August 31, just over a month after announcing the first details of the collaboration.  

These machines are now operational in Las Vegas and seven other states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Over the coming months, the slot games will be distributed across all the nation’s commercial and tribal casino markets.

“After nearly two years of collaboration with the NFL and NFL Players Association, we finally get to see these game-changing machines in action,” said Hector Fernandez, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, in a joint company press release.

A Sign of the Ties

The NFL Super Bowl Jackpots slot machine offers players a unique gaming experience. They can choose their favorite team from the 32 NFL clubs, setting the theme for their gameplay.

The new slot game operates on Aristocrat’s new King Max cabinet, and players have the opportunity to win a cool $1 million progressive jackpot. To enhance the gaming experience, the slot features six licensed stadium anthems that play during significant game moments.

“The unveiling of the first NFL-themed slot machines represents an opportunity to bring the League closer to our fans in a new area,” said Joe Ruggerio, NFL senior vice president of consumer products.

“We have valued collaborating with Aristocrat to bring their vision and responsible gaming resources to fans during the 2023 NFL season and beyond.”

Engaging with Fans

Football-themed slots have been around for decades. But a licensed collaboration, including team and league branding and customizable skins, is certainly a new direction.

The NFL itself has historically been wary of gambling and sports betting. Not too long ago, in the pre-2018 era of prohibition, it was one of the key opponents to legalized sports betting.

However, in recent years, the biggest U.S. sports league has embraced gambling, estimating that it could generate up to $270 million in revenue through partnerships with casino companies and sportsbook operators. This figure might even rise to $1 billion within the decade.

The NFL’s shift in stance towards gambling became evident when team owners approved the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas in 2017. Recognizing the changing technological landscape and the ubiquity of betting, the NFL began forging strategic deals with major players in the gambling industry, such as Caesars, DraftKings, and MGM.

This latest slots launch with Aristocrat comes at a concerning time for the sport of football and its integrity, with ties to the gambling sector growing every day.

So far in 2023, 10 NFL athletes have been suspended for betting violations, and several Iowa State Cyclones ball players are under criminal investigations for their betting activities.

Aristocrat Gaming is not letting any of that put off the rollout of its NFL branded slot games, as the 2023/24 season is set to begin.

The company has announced additional slot machines in the partnership that will be launched later this year and into 2024. These include titles like Overtime Cash, Super Bowl Link, NFL Kickoff, Winning Drive, and Rings of Victory. Each game draws inspiration from unique elements of NFL gameplay and offers customizable team options.