California Lottery Launches Exciting New TV Show

SACRAMENTO – On January 17, the California Lottery rolls out the newest big-money game show to hit the airwaves – “Make Me a Millionaire.”

Featuring a brand new format with state-of-the-art production, “Make Me a Millionaire” seeks to capture the excitement of televised winning with the look and feel of a sleek new show. It will be hosted by Mark Walberg who currently hosts FOX’s “Moment of Truth.” Liz Hernandez, from Los Angeles’ radio station Power 106, will be joining him on stage.

“This exciting change will strengthen the Lottery’s brand image and deliver more prizes to contestants,” California Lottery Director Joan Borucki said. “The new TV show will re-energize the Lottery’s trademark TV product.”

The show is just one of the big changes underway at the Lottery. The Lottery has a new logo, new games and new innovative promotions. It has also expanded its reach by placing Lottery machines in CVS pharmacies throughout Southern California.

In 1985, shortly after California voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the California Lottery, the Lottery first went to the air with a big money game show, “The Big Spin.” Over the course of more than 24 years, the show has featured thousands of contestants, given out millions of dollars and created countless memories. During “The Big Spin’s” run, however, the show changed little at a time when newer shows were redefining the look of the modern game show.

In order to create a new level of excitement, the California Lottery has partnered with 3 Ball Productions and Milestone Entertainment to produce “Make Me a Millionaire.” 3 Ball produces a variety of programs – including the popular weight loss show, “The Biggest Loser,” on NBC. Milestone is the world’s leading producer of lottery entertainment programs. This joint venture has replaced the nation’s leading money giveaway show, “The Big Spin,” with a newer, more sophisticated program.

“We are looking forward to the exceptional opportunity to take the Lottery to a new level of production, excitement and entertainment,” said Todd Nelson, CEO/Executive Producer of 3 Ball Productions.

“Make Me a Millionaire” will feature 12 contestants and offer more money in prizes than “The Big Spin” did. The new show will feature the following four games:

Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny – Three contestants start off with 10 pennies. Each contestant will try to match his or her numbers with the price of a car through a series of rounds. Any of the contestants who holds one penny at the end has an opportunity to win a car.

Safe Cracker

Safe Cracker – This game features two contestants, who each select from a group of 10 safes until one picks two safes with no money inside. The contestant who avoids opening two empty safes moves on to the second round. In that round, the contestant picks from five additional safes.

California Cool

California Cool – In California Cool, a single contestant picks from a variety of statements about California. Players have four possible rounds to earn money in this game.

Make Me a Millionaire

Make Me a Millionaire – The most anticipated game of the show will undoubtedly be “Make Me a Millionaire,” where a contestant has the opportunity to win a progressive jackpot that begins at $1 million. A random number will be selected for a contestant that is between 1 and 50. Based on what that number is, the contestant will predict whether the next number is higher or lower. Each time a contestant guesses correctly, he or she will earn $10,000. After the first incorrect guess the contestant decides whether to take the money or attempt to go for the jackpot. A contestant who guesses incorrectly twice receives $10,000.