What are the Legalities of Game Shows?
<p>Are game shows legal by nature or is there a catch that allows them to be legal?  Are they considered a sweepstakes?  How is one able to give away prizes without it being "gambling?"  Do the game show contestants have to agree to some sort of contract to be involved?  Is it a state by state issue?</p>

<p>Game shows are not gambling because the participants do not wager their own money. They risk the show's money only. (Also as @aroth points out in the comments, the vast majority of game shows can also use the "game of skill" defense.)</p>

<p>Yes. Game shows use contracts for contestants. See the following examples.</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.spandyandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Wipeout-Canada-Contestant-Application-Agreement-and-Release.pdf" rel="nofollow">Wipeout Canada</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/32287092" rel="nofollow">Survivor</a></li>
</ul>

gambling