Beverly Hillbillies Slots
The Beverly Hillbillies debuted on CBS in 1962, and it ran for a total of nine seasons. During that time, it consistently ranked among the most-watched shows on television, and it finished first overall on two occasions. Over 50 years later, the show remains a favorite in syndication, and it has carved out a permanent place in broadcasting history.
When the casino industry experienced rapid growth towards the end of the 20th century, game developer IGT was looking for existing properties to license. This led to the creation of several Beverly Hillbillies slots by the company, and they've been a popular addition to casino floors for years.
The article provides an in-depth look at the IGT slots starring the Clampett family. For those who may be unfamiliar with the series, we've also included some background material to get you up to speed.
The Beverly Hillbillies Slot Machines
With the Beverly Hillbillies franchise, IGT came up with a novel idea. Instead of spending the time and resources to develop three games that were entirely different from one another, they made the games similar but with different bonus games, reel symbols, and video clips. Even the plastic models on top of these nine-foot-tall machines are different, including Granny, Jed, and the family truck (driven by Jethro).
Each game in the series is part of IGT's MegaJackpots line, which means they offer a wide-area progressive jackpot. The top payout resets at $200,000, while a number of smaller cash prizes are also available.
When these games debuted, they made history by offering play for as little as a penny. This was unheard of at the time, especially for a game offering a major progressive jackpot. Other slots have adopted this tactic over the years, but this trio remains the first to do so.
Depending on where you find one of these games, the cost to play can range from a penny up to $5 per payline. The biggest available wager on these machines is 125 credits, allowing a player to get their gambling fix for anywhere from $1.25 to $625.
The three versions of the game include the following:
A replica of the Clampett family truck is mounted on top of this machine, complete with Jethro and the family bloodhound, Duke. This was the most recent of the three games, and the bonus feature challenges players to go prospecting for new deposits of oil.
The top of this game console is decorated with a plastic replica of Granny clutching her shotgun and guarding against anyone who might try to steal (or confiscate) her moonshine. To succeed at the bonus game, you'll need to select from the barrels of "medicine" in order to find the best liquor.
Jed Clampett figures prominently in this version, and a plastic replica of the hillbilly multi-millionaire is displayed on top of the game. In the bonus round of this game, you'll take on the role of a safecracker trying to break into the Clampett family vault. In order to do so, though, you'll first need to figure out the password.
Please keep in mind that these Beverly Hillbillies slots have been on the market for years, so most casinos have likely replaced them with newer games. IGT no longer includes them on their website, which means you may have a tough time finding one of these once-popular slots.
Beverly Hillbillies Millionaire Mile
After the success of the first series of game, IGT released another Beverly Hillbillies slot machine. Just like the previous version, it's packed with audio and video slips from the show, and the following reels provide a sense of authenticity and nostalgia:
- Jed
The patriarch of the Clampett family.
- Granny
The gun-toting, moonshine-obsessed senior citizen of the family.
- Jethro
Strong as an ox and dumb as a rock.
- Elly May
The babe of the family, she also loves critters and wrasslin'.
- Clampett Family Truck
A rickety jalopy that transported the family to California.
- Duke
The family bloodhound who's often found sleeping.
- Moonshine Jug
No doubt filled with Granny's favorite form of "medicine."
- Clampett's Mountain Home
The ramshackle abode that the Clampett family once called home.
- Possum
This crazy-looking varmint is favored by Granny when it's time to cook up a mess of vittles.
- Mr. Drysdale's Safe
This sturdy safe sometimes falls onto the screen and transforms all the symbols on a reel into wilds.
- Beverly Hillbillies Bonus
Get three of these icons to trigger one of the bonus games.
Speaking of bonus games, the slot has the following options and allows players to choose their favorite:
- Elly May's Match Bonus
The screen is filled with boxes, and it's up to the player to select one and reveal the hidden prize. These items range from a handsome prince to a box of chocolates, and you have to get a pair of items in order to win their cash value.
- Millionaire Mile
The game's namesake features a board similar to something you'd find with Monopoly or Life. The object of the round is to guide the family truck along the board, picking up credits and multipliers along the way. Landing on special spaces allow you to select from a series of items in order to win extra cash, and getting all the way to the Clampett mansion results in a progressive jackpot payout.
- Clampetts in London
The symbols during this phase are tied to an episode of the show that featured the Clampett family visiting London. Before the free spins begin, you'll be asked to pick a symbol. Your selection then locks in place, paying extra when it becomes part of any winning combination.
Premise of the Show
Jed Clampett is a widower who lives in the mountains with his family. While hunting for food one day, he misses his shot and causes a geyser of crude oil to erupt from the ground. He receives a fortune from an oil company to drill on his land, and afterwards he packs up his kinfolks and moves to Beverly Hills, California.
Now living in a mansion and surrounded by self-absorbed city folk, Jed and the rest of his family struggle to adapt to urban life. This leads to a series of comical situations, although everything always gets worked out by the end of the episode.
Important Characters on The Beverly Hillbillies
In case you're new to this classic comedy series, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most popular characters. The following individuals appeared in most episodes, as well as the big-screen adaptation.
- Jed Clampett
The head of the Clampett clan and a true country gentleman. Jed always wears his signature hat and coat, and he often peppers his sentences with rustic lingo. Played by Buddy Ebsen in the series and Jim Varney in the movie.
- Granny
Also known as Daisy May Moses, this salty old gal was all about moonshine, shotguns, and staying one step ahead of city folk. Jed's mother-in-law. Played by Irene Ryan on the series and Cloris Leachman in the 1993 movie.
- Jethro Bodine
Not especially bright, this cousin of the Clampett family is fond of constantly trying out new professions (with comical results) and charming the females of Hollywood. Played by Max Baer Jr. on the series and Diedrich Bader in the movie.
- Elly May Clampett
A beautiful tomboy who loves animals and wrestling, she always proves intimidating to local men who think she's an easy target for seduction. Played by Donna Douglas on the series and Erika Eleniak in the movie.
- Milburn Drysdale
The Clampett's neighbor, as well as the greedy banker who safeguards their money. When the family seems in danger of moving back home, he always concocts some scheme to get them to stick around. Played by Raymond Bailey in the series and Dabney Coleman in the movie.
- Jane Hathaway
The personal assistant of Mr. Drysdale, Ms. Hathaway is somewhat smitten with Jethro and generally holds the Clampett family in high regard. When her boss comes up with a devious plan, she often tries to reign him in. Played by Nancy Kulp on the series and Lily Tomlin in the movie version.
A Quick Summary
The Beverly Hillbillies has remained popular for over 50 years, and it's earned a permanent spot in pop culture history in the process. It's only natural that IGT would seek to license the property for their slot machine line, and the collaboration has proven popular with players for several years. If you're a fan of the show, you're bound to enjoy the chance to win cash while watching clips of the Clampett family in action.