Sometimes when I watch the "Wheel of Fortune" I get the feeling that the contestant in the bonus round knows the word, but doesn't call it out. Last night, a college kid had almost all the letters to "Magic Wand" and he lost. But, he lost in a way that made me think that he knew the word, but he decided not to win. He was kinda arrogant and it's hard for me to believe that someone would call out "magic hand," before "magic wand."

Why would someone do this? Are they worried about the taxes?

Maybe its too easy for them so they let others figure it out? (Or maybe they want them to do it that way)

I have a relative who was on WOF and went to the bonus round. Only an idiot would play not to win unless "fixing" is implied which you did not do OP.

I do notice that some contestants get puzzles with the standard given letters in key places plus they get a second vowel so it practically spells it out for them. My relative got a puzzle that was extremely difficult and had few of the standard letters in it.

On a related note, are you allowed to turn down a prize you won (when filming is done, of course)if you don't want it or don't want to deal with the taxes?

It doesn't make sense to me that someone would go to all that effort to be a contestant, get to the bonus round and lose intentionally. I didn't see the episode but if enough letters were revealed and he still missed then the most logical explanation is that he was simply nervous and just choked. Brain freeze may also have been a factor.

Ya I agree buddy......

On a related note, are you allowed to turn down a prize you won (when filming is done, of course)if you don't want it or don't want to deal with the taxes?

I'm sure you can. I know that's an option on The Price is Right.

But when you're talking about the huge cash prizes (say, $10,000+), the benefits of paying the taxes for prize amounts that high far outweigh the costs. After taxes, you're still be taking home a nice chunk of money.

And then of course, you can also sell prizes you don't want for a profit or simply to get the equivalent cash value after receiving them.

I'm sure you can. I know that's an option on The Price is Right.

But when you're talking about the huge cash prizes (say, $10,000+), the benefits of paying the taxes for prize amounts that high far outweigh the costs. After taxes, you're still be taking home a nice chunk of money.

And then of course, you can also sell prizes you don't want for a profit or simply to get the equivalent cash value after receiving them.

The Price is Right-type prizes are what I had in mind, as opposed to shows where it's all cash. I've seen things there like boats, hot tubs/spas, which I would have no need for or really no place to keep.

On a related note, are you allowed to turn down a prize you won (when filming is done, of course)if you don't want it or don't want to deal with the taxes?
Back in the late 80's or early 90's a guy who worked at the same company I did won a showcase on TPIR.

He made around minimum wage in a textile plant and his winnings were probably valued at about as much as he made in a year. I heard that he refused to accept the winnings because he almost fainted at the tax bill.