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“The Price is Right” contestant set a new daytime record after winning the single biggest price game award in the show’s 54-year history.
Vanessa McCaskell, a retired Army veteran from Virginia, took home more than $240,150 in cash and prizes during CBS’ special Mother’s Day episode on Friday.
The historic achievement came after McCaskell successfully navigated “The Lion’s Share,” BetMGM’s new high-stakes game where contestants can risk their earnings for a chance at the biggest payout.
McCaskell walked away from “The Lion’s Share” with $227,500 and a trip to Morocco worth $12,650. Her winnings surpassed the previous single prize game record of $210,000, which was set by former contestant Christen Freeman in 2016 during an episode of “Cliff Hangers.”
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The “The Price is Right” contestant set a new record during Friday’s special Mother’s Day episode of the daytime hit. (CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
“From ‘Get Down’ to playing ‘The Lion’s Share,’ everything felt extraordinary — a dreamtime that just kept growing,” McCaskell said in a statement, via Variety.
“I was nervous, excited and all at the same time,” she added. “Winning over $200,000 is life changing. I plan to invest wisely, have a little fun and treat my mom amazing.”
“The Lion’s Share,” “The Price is Right” production company Freemantle developed in partnership with BetMGM, launches in the first episode of the 54th season in September 2025 and allows contestants to win up to $500,000 in cash and prizes.
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In the games, contestants guess the prices of grocery items to earn up to five balls, which are thrown into a wind tunnel-style chamber to reveal hidden prize values. After each reveal, contestants must decide whether to walk away with the winners or continue playing at the risk of drawing a “lose it all” ball.
Retired Army Veteran Vanessa McCaskell won the prize for the biggest prize in the show’s 54-year history. (CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
During Friday’s episode, McCaskell took an aggressive approach to the game as his daughter watched and cheered on from the audience. After winning $2,500 in the first round, McCaskell continued, collapsing in excitement when the prize was revealed to be $25,000. McCaskell advanced to the third round and started screaming after winning $100,000.
With two balls remaining and $127,500 in winnings, McCaskell decided to continue playing.
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“The last two numbers are my daughter’s birthday,” he told host Drew Carey. “I have to go.”
“Yours, baby,” McCaskell said, pointing to his daughter in the audience.
McCaskell appeared in disbelief after it was revealed he had won another $100,000 and his daughter jumped up and down in the crowd.
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“Vanessa, we’re almost at a quarter-million dollars,” Carey said. “There is still another ball to go.”
“I have to believe it,” McCaskell said with a shudder before continuing.
McCaskell walked away with $240,150 in cash and prizes after playing “The Lion’s Share.” (CBS Broadcasting Inc.)
McCaskell covered his head with his hands as the final prize was revealed for a $12,650 “mother daughter trip” to Morocco.
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As McCaskell celebrated ending the game with $240,150, Carey congratulated him.
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“Good job. Stop dragging,” he said before shaking McCaskell’s hand and wishing him “a happy retirement.”
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“The Lion’s Share” is the first custom-named game in “The Price Is Right” history and the first new pricing game introduced by the show since 2021, according to BetMGM and Fremantle.
McCaskell’s haul included a “mother-daughter trip” to Morocco worth $12,650. (Chelsea Lauren/Penske Media)
In January 2025, BetMGM and Fremantle signed a multi-year partnership agreement that gives BetMGM exclusive rights to use “The Price is Right” and “Family Feud” in online casino content, including slots, table games and other gambling-style games. The deal also included syndicated sponsorships and branded segments within TV shows such as “The Lion’s Share.”
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“Our partnership with Fremantle was designed to bring the excitement of BetMGM’s gaming experience to one of the most iconic televised events,” BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost said in a statement, via Variety. “That idea was presented in a historic way when Vanessa won the record for ‘The Lion’s Share.'”
“It’s always an exciting time when we launch a new game, and ‘The Lion’s Share’ is already delivering in a big way,” said Fremantle chief executive of partnership solutions Erica Gadecki.
The record for the highest winnings in a single episode of “The Price is Right” is $262,743, set by contestant Michael Stouber during the 2019 “Big Money Week” episode.
