‘Wheel of Fortune’ is spinning into Philly — ELGSES, anyone?
The search for contestants is coming back to Philly for the first time in a decade.
Philadelphia fans of the game show Wheel of Fortune will soon get a chance to trade in yelling answers at their TVs for actually spinning the wheel themselves.
For the first time since 2015, producers of the long-running game show are holding in-person auditions in the city. Casting auditions will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Event Center inside Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Contestants can begin lining up as early as 10 a.m.
Auditions are free and open to anyone 21 and older. Each hopeful will have 30 seconds to introduce themselves to producers, who are looking for energy and personality — not just someone who knows the difference between an R and a Q.
“The Wheel of Fortune fan base in and around Philadelphia is incredible, and we’re excited to tap into that passion to find future contestants,” executive producer Bellamie Blackstone said in a statement. “We hope the fans bring some of that famous Philly spirit to the event so we can welcome those loyal Wheel Watchers in our studio to spin the wheel!”
And let’s be honest: If “Philly Wheel of Fortune” were a thing, the puzzles might include “WATER ICE” or “GO BIRDS.” And if you hit a bankrupt? That’s basically the game-show version of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker accidentally spelling “EAGLES” as “ELGSES.”
The Philadelphia stop is one of just a handful of live casting events happening across the country this year. Parking at Rivers Casino is free, and the property will run a complimentary shuttle throughout the day from its main entrance and Riversuites at the Battery, its boutique hotel nearby.
“Rivers Casino is always exploring new ways to bring unique experiences to our guests,” said Scott Lokke, general manager of Rivers Casino. “After hosting a successful ‘Shark Tank’ casting call earlier this year that drew more than 900 people, teaming up again with 6abc was an easy decision. We’re excited to welcome enthusiastic ‘Wheel of Fortune’ fans to the Event Center in September for their chance to spin the big wheel on national TV.”
For those who can’t make the auditions, the show continues to accept online applications year-round at wheeloffortune.com.
Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on 6abc.
How to audition for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in Philly
Here’s what you need to know if you want a shot at spinning the wheel:
📍 Where: The Event Center at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
📅 When: Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. (lineup starts at 10 a.m.).
🎟️ Cost: Free — just show up and register.
👤 Age requirement: Must be 21 or older.
⏱️ Audition format: Contestants are brought in small groups. Each person gets 30 seconds to introduce themselves — think jobs, hobbies, fun facts. Don’t waste your time gushing about the show; producers already know you’re a fan.
🚍 Getting there: Free parking on-site and a complimentary shuttle running between Rivers Casino and Riversuites at the Battery across Penn Treaty Park.
💻 Can’t make it? Apply anytime at wheeloffortune.com.