As you know by show, trying out for a game show such as Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and Millionaire is like winning the lottery.
As you know over a million people try out for game and reality shows each year. However, only a precious few are chosen and some game shows are unfair as some only allow U.S. residents to try out which I think violate the Human Rights code. (I think Millionaire has violated that rule.) I don't think suing the show can be of help too if you live outside of the United States. I know TPIR, Lingo, Jeopardy! and Wheel had non-American players in the past.
Then there's travel. You are responsible to arrange any travel to get to the show so my advice is unless you got a vacation and meet with family and friends over there, you should only go when it's necessary or you'd be blowing over $2,000 in expenses if you don't make the cut.
Now some reality shows that have the minimum age of 21 is something I should not argue on this. Of course the game shows usually have 18 as the minimum age, but the reason some shows have 21 is the alcohol that's involved. We don't want to see competitors drinking illegally.
The Apprentice is one reality show that I can't argue of having only U.S. residents compete. My logic to this is that if say a Canadian was on the show, it would violate the immigration laws and all non-U.S. residents have to clear immigration first before they can work legally in the U.S. and those that make the cut of 18 candidates have to have agents and say nothing as to what is happening in the series, or they could face $5 million in damages.
I cannot argue on game shows that won't allow people running for political office and those that work for the show, network, studio or its sponsors.
And yes, there are taxes to pay on what you win. They take 7% (in California & New York) of total winnings you earn on the show. After all, your taxes are being put to work on building more expressways and fixing them. You also have to wait up to 120 days after the show's airing date in order to receive your cash and/or prizes after taxes.
So the best bet to trying out for certain shows is to be patient, don't rush things. Hopefully if they do a search in your city, you can go over there instead. Remember to be yourself and don't be nervous. Good luck to all that hope to audition for any show in the future.
I am not saying they chose people at random (maybe for TPIR), but they choose people who pass certain tests and then there's a waiting period to get you in if availbility permits. They want as much geographic rivally as possible. This is my opinion and we are allowed to make debates on game show eligibility.
