The Hoff adds name to OpenBet slot
Baywatch and Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff latest celebrity to put his name to an online gambling product in conjunction with OpenBet - The Hoff gives eGR exclusive Q&A
Baywatch and Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff has become the latest celebrity to put his name to an online gambling product in conjunction with OpenBet and MX Gaming following wrestling star Hulk Hogan and number one darts professional Phil “The Power” Taylor.
Branded as the “The Hoff”, a slot game and scratchcard will be available later this year.
Aimed primarily at the bingo and casino markets and available in numerous skins, the main concept of the games will be to help David Hasselhoff”s character along his “eternal quest of becoming a millionaire celebrity” and will include “humorous twists” along the way, OpenBet said.
Star of television shows including Knight Rider, Baywatch, America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, “The Hoff” and his global appeal will reach fans across the globe and entertain players off air and online, it added.
David Loveday, CEO of OpenBet, said: “OpenBet is proud of its leading portfolio of branded content and the introduction of David Hasselhoff’s iconic “Hoff” character is further evidence of the innovative way OpenBet brings interesting content to its customers. The much loved Hoff persona allows OpenBet to bring games that are not only quirky and fun but appeal to a wide range of customers.”
Exclusive eGaming Review Q&A with the Hoff
1. Why, at this stage in your career, did you decide to put your name and brand behind a gambling product?
The Hoff: As an actor/artist progresses over time, they usually get more control over their own image”¦and if youre lucky, you get known for who you are as a performer, instead of just the roles you play. I’ve been fortunate in that area, so ¨The Hoff¨ is really just my brand. Its me AND it´s my brand. So getting into new areas, such as this opportunity, is really a brand-extension. Technology aside, this is fundamentally no different than me or Star Wars or whomever developing apps for the iPhone, game content for PlayStation, or even t-shirts and other products. I am lucky to spend a lot of time in Europe, and understand that gambling here is much more of a common leisure activity than perhaps in the US, so it’s a natural market for me.
2. What has been the biggest gamble you’ve ever made during your career and in what way did it or did it not pay off?
The Hoff: We all make gambles. All of life is a gamble. It’s the same in business, relationships, family or anything for that matter. So honestly, some of the biggest gambles ive made have been in lots of different areas. The original Baywatch series was cancelled by the network after just one season. But I believed in it, so I put together some investors and we decided to buy the rights and keep producing the TV show and try to syndicate it ourselves. And we were very lucky, because that worked out great. We were one of the first big hits in first run syndication. So it was cancelled by the original network after one season, I gambled on it, and it was a hit in syndication for 10 years. And its still being shown in lots of countries. That gamble paid off thank goodness, because otherwise I’d still be praying for that Knight Rider Reunion movie to materialize.
3. What’s the biggest wager/bet you’ve ever put on and how much did you win or lose?
The Hoff: Well, the prize from the above was an extension of my career. I feel very, very fortunate, because it could have very easily gone the other way.
4. Do you plan to put your name to any other products in the future, if so what would you like these to be?
The Hoff: We are always looking at opportunities. We talk to lots of people and some have great ideas like Ike at MX Gaming did and he works with the best partners like OpenBet and im very excited about the forthcoming launch of The Hoff online casino slot and scratchcard games. We have a great sense of faith that this will be a hit. More often than not people pitch some pretty awful stuff. I won´t name names but lets just say there are definitely things I won’t put my name on. The Hoff bath matt comes to mind as one we passed on. “Step out of the shower and drip on me baby”¦Yeah.” Not the greatest idea but that doesn’t deter us keeping our eyes open for real opportunities all the time.