The Big Money Wedge was one of the gameplay elements on Wheel of Fortune.
History[]
The first design.
The second design.
The Big Money Wedge was one of two special wedges added to celebrate the 25th season of the syndicated show. A special wedge used in the Mystery Round, located on the yellow $400 between $600 and $300 (where Free Play would later be), it contained a small screen that alternated randomly among values of $5,000, $7,500, and $25,000 plus Lose a Turn and Bankrupt. If it was landed on, the wedge was "enhanced" by a post-production graphic effect that highlighted it with a yellow glow. Its cash values were not multiplied by the letter. If any of its cash amounts were claimed, it offered $1,000 per letter for the rest of the round.
For the first week of taping only, its amounts were treated as prizes, but for the rest of the season, any money won with it could be spent on vowels. Also for the first week only, the contestant's scoreboard displayed "BIG MONEY" along with the score.
Originally, players could use the Wild Card on any of its amounts, which happened at least once (for $7,500 on November 13). By April 9, this was altered so the Wild Card was only usable on the wedge's regular $1,000.
Initially, the Big Money Wedge was a sparkly yellowish-green with a magenta readout. On October 29, it was overhauled to royal blue with five vertical rows of red dots and a lighter blue readout; this was recycled the following season for the final design of the Jackpot wedge.