These traversed the physical and online formats, proving to be popular in both, and established WMS Gaming as a leading name. With its built-in bonus systems, it was ideally placed to ride the crest of the online boom over the following decade.Ī big part of its success was a series of 'participation' branded slots which carried the title of famous names, such as Monopoly and The Lord of the Rings. Its success meant other titles quickly followed, and in 1999, WMS formed a division dedicated exclusively to gaming: WMS Gaming. Its first slot title appeared in the mid-90s under the name Reel 'Em In, which was the first ever game with a second screen bonus round. The company initially produced pinball machines and then extended its range to include slot machine and video lottery terminals as the world became more technological. WMS Gaming has a long history in the gaming industry, stretching all the way to 1943 when Harry Williams founded its parent company, Williams Manufacturing, in Chicago.
