"I was on a kid’s game show in the late 80s with my brother. We won, but lost the grand prize (trip to Disneyland) in the bonus round, and were given a $500 gift certificate to a toy store instead. $250 each for a toy store was absolutely incredible for a couple of kids, especially in the 80s. I still remember that shopping trip."
tbone56er
In Australia, lottery or game show prizes are considered a windfall, not income, and are tax free.