Wheel of Fortune pays cash prizes with the revenues from the show, or some prizes are part of a commercial message that the show earns revenues from by carrying the message and offering a chance for the contestant to win the prize. The time when the contestants paid for the prizes has been over for more than twenty years
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Originally, after winning a round, contestants spent their winnings purchasing prizes that were presented onstage. Some of the prizes included the Wheel of Fortune Dalmatian Dog, Furniture, Appliances, Electronics, and Various items that sponsors wanted shown on Television
"Since it's debut in 1983 Wheel of Fortune has awarded more than 190 million in cash and prizes to it's contestants" see related link
Prizes varied depending on the show and the Old cancelled Daytime Wheel of Fortune Network program was on for years with Chuck Woolery before Pat Sajak replaced him in December 1981
The total amount continues to grow as more shows are aired. The question can only be answered if a time span is included The Producers of Wheel of Fortune announced that they have given away 190 million in prizes since the show began in 1983