Published on 2nd July 2012 by Becky Mosley

After wowing crowds at last November’s Global Gaming Review, Bally Technologies’ Michael Jackson: King of Pop slot machine is set to be distributed shortly.

The game – only available as a land-based slot at present – will include several bonus features that show Michael Jackson performing various hits including Beat It, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Dirty Diana and Billie Jean – and comes with 5 reels, 25 lines and a 320 coin maximum bet.

The game will come in two formats in the US, with a wide-area progressive jackpot feature connecting some of the machines but not others as US laws prevent the installation of wide-area progressives in some parts of the country.

Players can expect a payback on 40.97% of their spins, which compares favourably with the 39.21% found on a typical slot game, and players who have tested the game report a positive experience. It utilizes Bally’s v22/32 cabinet and comes with a 32 inch top box, with 5.1 Dolby sound. It even raises a bandolier-clad statue of Jackson at the end of each bonus round, so players will be left with an indelible reminder of the greatness of arguably the greatest song and dance man the world has ever produced.

Pundits are unsure as to whether the game will find its way online any time soon, though with the success of games like Elvis Slots it does seem inevitable…