IGT Debuts Queen Video Slot Machine at G2E in Vegas
IGT Debuts Queen Video Slot Machine at G2E in Vegas
Queen’s music has powered stadium sing-alongs, film soundtracks, and radio playlists for decades. Now it is arriving on the casino floor. At this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, International Game Technology (IGT) has introduced the first licensed Queen slot machine. The game is being shown at the Venetian, and it marks a significant step for both IGT’s content strategy and Queen’s licensing history.
A New Chapter in Music-Licensed Gaming
IGT, the Las Vegas-based manufacturer behind 2023’s Whitney Houston Video Slots, is no stranger to music-themed games. But Queen Video Slots is different: it is IGT’s first attempt to license an entire band rather than a single artist. That distinction matters because multi-member acts bring more complex rights management. They also bring a wider fan base and a deeper catalog of enduring hits.
The slot machine expands IGT’s music-licensed portfolio and is available for viewing at G2E at the Venetian through Thursday, Oct. 1.
What’s Inside Queen Video Slots
Queen Video Slots includes a range of features designed to appeal to both slot players and Queen fans:
- 10 licensed Queen tracks used throughout the gameplay experience.
- Approved photos and video clips of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.
- Four bonus features, giving players multiple ways to trigger special rounds.
- Six jackpots, creating different prize levels and reasons to stay at the machine.
The game runs on IGT’s Summit75 cabinet, the company’s newest hardware platform. While the music and visuals carry the theme, the cabinet itself is built to support a modern, high-impact casino experience.
Who Controls the Queen Brand?
The game was developed with Ceremony of Roses, a Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary that manages Queen’s merchandising and licensing rights. That partnership was essential because Queen’s catalog is jointly controlled by the band members and Sony, making it one of the most tightly managed music properties in the industry.
For Queen, this is a first in gambling. The band has previously licensed its brand for arcade machines, including the official Queen Pinball from Pinball Brothers, but never for a gambling product.
Why Licensing a Band Is Complicated
Music licensing deals rarely come without restrictions. Licensing agreements typically control how imagery and audio can be used, and artists or their estates often require review of all creative elements. Some artists decline gambling-related licensing entirely. Others allow limited use under strict conditions.
When the license covers an entire band, the process becomes even more involved:
- Imagery rights must be cleared for each band member.
- Archival footage often requires separate approval.
- Audio rights must be obtained for every track.
Because multiple band members and Sony control different parts of the Queen brand, the approval process is unusually demanding. IGT has said its previous Whitney Houston project offered useful preparation. That game gave IGT experience in working with music partners and navigating the licensing and production process, which carried over to the more complex task of licensing a multi-member act.
What IGT’s CEO Says
In a press release, IGT CEO Hector Fernandez framed the launch as both a tribute and a business milestone:
“Queen is one of the rare bands with truly global reach and lasting, cross-generational appeal, making it a powerful brand for IGT to bring to casino floors. With Queen Video Slots, our talented studio teams tapped their passion for Queen’s music and legacy to create a high-impact game that quickly captivates music fans and slot players. The game also reflects the kind of standout content that is anchoring IGT’s transformation and helping us create more magnetic gaming experiences.”
Fernandez’s comments highlight why music-licensed slots have become a bigger part of IGT’s strategy. They create emotional connections with players, and they give casino operators a way to market gaming content to mainstream audiences.
When and Where Can You Play?
IGT has not announced a release date for Queen Video Slots. Historically, major G2E launches reach casino floors within three to four months, so players may not have to wait long after the show. For now, the only confirmed public appearance is G2E at the Venetian in Las Vegas, running through Thursday, Oct. 1.
Terms, Future Plans, and the Bigger Picture
Financial details of the Queen agreement have not been disclosed, and IGT has not said whether additional Queen-themed gambling products are planned. Given the size of Queen’s catalog and the band’s global popularity, there is room for future expansion—but the current focus is on this single slot launch.
For players, the appeal is simple: a timeless band, presented in a new setting. For casinos, it is another way to make a slot floor feel more distinctive. And for the licensing industry, Queen Video Slots is a reminder that even the most tightly controlled music brands can enter the gaming world when the deal is structured carefully.
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