A contestant on The Price Is Right has set a new record for the largest prize ever awarded in a single pricing game during the show's 54-year history. Retired U.S. Army veteran Vanesa McCaskell took home more than US$240,150 in cash and prizes during a special Mother's Day episode that aired last Friday.
McCaskell won the pricing game "The Lion's Share," which is sponsored by BetMGM. In this game, contestants can gamble their earnings for a chance at a higher payout, with a maximum of $500,000. She secured $227,500 in cash along with a trip to Morocco valued at $12,650, surpassing the previous record of $210,000 set by Christen Freeman in 2016.
How McCaskell Won Big
McCaskell adopted an aggressive strategy throughout the game. After winning $2,500 in the first round, she continued and the prize escalated to $25,000. She then pushed forward and won $100,000, followed by another $100,000. Host Drew Carey remarked, "Vanesa, we're almost up to a quarter-million dollars. One more ball to go." McCaskell kept testing her luck, and it paid off with the Morocco trip.
"Nice job. What a haul," Carey said in congratulating her. McCaskell described the experience as surreal, stating, "From 'Come on Down' to playing 'The Lion's Share,' it all felt so surreal – a dream moment that only kept getting bigger." She added, "I was nervous, excited and everything at once. Winning over $200,000 is life changing. I plan to invest wisely, enjoy a little and treat my mom to a special surprise."
The Show's Deal with BetMGM
In early 2025, BetMGM and show producer Fremantle signed an agreement granting BetMGM exclusive rights to use intellectual property from The Price Is Right and Family Feud for online gambling content. BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost said, "Our partnership with Fremantle was designed to bring the thrill of BetMGM gameplay to life on one of television's most iconic game shows. That vision was delivered in a historic way during Vanesa's record-breaking win on 'The Lion's Share.'"
