One contestant found himself walking away with a prize he didn’t earn. So how’d he get it? The man was playing to win a “Dell computer and a computer desk.” During the game, he guessed way off, but he still won the computer. As it turns out, the announcer got the brand of the computer wrong.
Had he realized it later and tried to sue the show, it would’ve been more trouble to producers than it was worth. So, they decided just to give him the computer to cop up for their mistake. Hey, whatever works, right?
Paying Taxes on Winnings
When you see those total numbers on packages on the show, it may look like a pretty nice chunk of change – and it is. However, what they don’t tell you is that whoever wins said packages, also has to pay taxes on them, which can lower the prize amount substantially.
The show is usually taped in California, which means that contestants are required to file any winnings with the state. Because contestants are required to pay based on the full retail value of prizes, some decide not to accept them once cameras stop rolling.
Barker’s Love for Animals
The former talk show host was honored by the animal rights group, PETA, due to his long-running support of their organization. In 2012, the group dedicated a building to him in Los Angeles, The Bob Barker Building, which is PETA’s new headquarters on the West Coast.
Aside from his support of PETA and other animal rights organizations, Barker was also very vocal about his views. He has called for the end of SeaWorld, and other places that continue to use animals in live entertainment and has asked fans not to buy products that have been tested on animals.
The Wide Array of Prizes
Nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to playing "The Price is Right." You don’t know if you’ll make it to the stage, and if you do, you don’t know if you’ll win. Even if you do win, you don't have any idea what you’ll be going home with.
Most contestants dream of winning a car, a trip, or a large sum of money. Sure, there are all kinds of kitchen and home sets, and then there are things that just make you go, “meh.” Take their 1999 showcase that included a dining room set, jukebox, and 12 dance lessons. Or that time they gave away the soda fountain and dumbbell set!
Drew Carey Made the Show Easier
After the legendary Bob Barker left the show, "The Price is Right" producers worried about the future of the show's ratings. Barker’s star power attracted loyal fans, so producers had to do something to make sure people were still tuning into the show.
That's when they make the games a little easier to win. “It was extremely important for the first couple of months of the show to have plenty of winners,” producer Roger Dobkowitz. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the trick worked!