International Game Technology (IGT) celebrated its 50th anniversary at ICE Barcelona 2026, earning multiple awards and highlighting its plan to bring proven North American games to international markets.
At the International Gaming Awards, IGT was named “Slot Provider of the Year,” judged by top industry professionals. The company also received an ICE Landmark Award, recognizing innovation and leadership. Everi, an IGT brand, won “Best Cash Handling Product” for its Premium Cash Redemption Terminal at the European Casino Awards.
“These awards highlight the power of IGT’s expanded portfolio and our ability to innovate across gaming, digital and financial technology,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT Incoming CEO. “As we mark 50 years of shaping the gaming industry, the ICE Landmark Award reinforces our legacy while we continue to invest in growth, innovation and differentiated solutions for our customers and their players.”
Celebrating Iconic Games and International Reach
IGT also marked the 30th anniversary of Wheel of Fortune Slots, known for life-changing jackpots and its iconic casino chant. The company launched a campaign to honor the game’s legacy and reward players, emphasizing its role as the first licensed slots game to transform the casino experience.
IGT sees growing international potential for titles that succeed in North America. Roger Pettersson, IGT’s VP of Premium and Core Products, said new European launches included Magic Treasures Gold on the Rise55 cabinet, Wolf Run Wild Moon, and Coyote Moon Desert Nights – all proven hits in the U.S.
“We have a lot of momentum in the North American market with many of our most recent products, both in core and premium, so it’s obviously very exciting to bring proven performers into ICE and the international markets,” Pettersson said.
Pettersson noted player preferences are converging globally. “I’ve been in gaming for over 30 years now… But I would say in the last five years, we’re really seeing all the markets kind of converging in game preferences. That means when we have a big hit in North America, it’s a very good sign that it’s going to work in almost every other market.”
European players favor multi-level progressives, multi-denomination games, and the enduring Hold n’ Spin model. Pettersson added opportunities remain to innovate these mechanics by reimagining free-game features and expanding gameplay depth.
Strategic Expansion and Future Outlook
ICE Barcelona 2026 was the first major European event for IGT since its acquisition of Everi’s gaming and digital businesses last year. The merger allowed IGT to streamline its portfolio, focusing on traditional gaming and fintech while shedding the lotteries segment.
“With the two entities coming together, now we have strength across the board,” Pettersson said. “Adding the market leadership of the legacy Everi, the stepper market, and then fintech – which is huge… With the amount of additional games we’re now able to provide to our customers, I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds.”
IGT’s 50th anniversary, combined with international expansion and continued innovation, reinforces its position as a global leader in gaming while honoring decades of influence on casino floors worldwide.
Source:
“IGT Celebrates 50 Years with Major Wins at ICE Barcelona 2026”, igt.com, January 21, 2026
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