do game shows pay their contestants
1 If you can use most of the prizes the show offers, such as a new car or trip, you may be content to appear on a game show that features material prizes. 2  If not, you should probably try out for a show where cash is the main prize. 3  In the United States, game show contestants must pay taxes on any prizes they win.. Meet the eligibility requirements. All game shows have certain eligibility requirements for their contestants. Generally, you must be at least 18 years of age, except for those shows that use child or teenage contestants, and you are allowed to appear on no more than 1 game show per year.