Wheel of Fortune spins up its winnings to a cool million

Updated

Game show contestants can now spin for a higher prize this season on Wheel of Fortune.

In July, Wheel of Fortune increased its Bonus Round winnings from $100,000 to $1,000,000 for the new season that began airing in September.

The first person to win the fatter prize from game show icons Pat Sajak and Vanna White? Michelle Loewenstein, a California resident recently transplanted from New Jersey. She'd just returned from her honeymoon when she was contacted to be on the show.

A Wheel of Fortune fan for years, she said she prepared for her appearance by watching the show every day.

The 24-year-old teacher and floral shop-worker is now a part of Wheel of Fortune History, which includes 16 winners of the $100,000 bonus round. Taxes will be deducted from her winnings, but she's still planning on buying a house with her bounty. And maybe a new car. Or maybe a dog.

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