Chances are, as a child, you walked across your living room in a fancy dress and wobbly heals, pretending to be Wheel of Fortune hostess, Vanna White. Who hasn’t? The popular game show had a big impact on American culture, with many captivated by its huge cash prizes. But how many people have actually brought home the fortune?
Wheel of Fortune has been on the air since 1975 and is one of the longest-running game shows in American history. Similar to Hangman, the show has contestants solve word puzzles, using a giant spinning wheel to determine prizes. Most people recognize its hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White, who have been on the show since the nightly syndicated edition began in 1983.
According to a calculation by fans via Buy a Vowel, in the last two decades of Wheel of Fortune history, the show has given away an average of $46,000 to $50,000 in cash and prizes per show. However, there are some who win much more.
How much do contestants actually win?
Although there have been some huge prizes over the history of Wheel of Fortune, contestants don’t necessarily get to take home the entire amount. They have to pay taxes on their earnings, including the worth of any additional prizes such as vacations and cars.
