Vanna White, the beloved television personality and longtime co-host of Wheel of Fortune, has amassed a significant fortune over her decades-long career. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at $85 million, making her one of the wealthiest figures in game show history. At 67 years old, White continues to shine on-screen, having secured a new contract that ensures she remains with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025-2026 season.
While her annual salary from Wheel of Fortune is now $10 million, her real estate investments and casino licensing deals contribute significantly to her wealth. Contrary to popular belief, White’s net worth actually exceeds that of her longtime co-host Pat Sajak, thanks to her smart financial decisions and investments.
How Did Vanna White Build Her Wealth?
Vanna White’s fortune is the result of multiple income streams, including television hosting, casino licensing deals, real estate investments, and brand endorsements. Below are her primary sources of wealth:
1. Wheel of Fortune Salary
Since joining Wheel of Fortune in 1982, White has been a staple of the show, turning letters and captivating audiences with her warm personality.
- Her previous salary (2005-2023): $3 million per year
- Her salary increase in 2023: $7.5 million per year
- Total 2025 earnings from the show: $10 million per year, including her work on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
The pay increase came after White fought for a raise following Pat Sajak’s retirement announcement in June 2023. With Ryan Seacrest set to take over as host, White ensured she was fairly compensated for her long-standing role.
2. Casino Licensing Deals
While most people assume her Wheel of Fortune salary is her biggest source of income, her largest paycheck actually comes from casino licensing deals.
- Wheel of Fortune was the first TV show to be licensed for casino slot machines in 1996.
- There are now over 20,000 Wheel of Fortune slot machines worldwide.
- These machines generate over $2 billion in annual revenue, with over $1 billion coming from Las Vegas alone.
- White and Sajak each earn at least $10 million per year from their share of licensing royalties.
This passive income has made White one of the highest-paid television personalities, ensuring her financial security even beyond her Wheel of Fortune earnings.
3. Real Estate Investments
Vanna White has been heavily involved in real estate, buying, flipping, and investing in properties for decades.
- She once lived in Beverly Park, a gated community where she and her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro, owned a 15,000-square-foot mansion.
- They rented the mansion for $175,000 per month before selling it in 2020 for $19.3 million.
- She has also owned multiple apartment buildings and investment properties, which continue to provide long-term income.
- Her primary residence, a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills, was purchased for $3.4 million in the early 2000s and is now estimated to be worth over $10 million.
4. Brand Endorsements & Merchandise
Over the years, White has leveraged her popularity to land sponsorship deals and brand partnerships.
- She launched Vanna’s Choice, a successful yarn line in collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns, capitalizing on her passion for crocheting.
- Her brand endorsements and occasional appearances in TV shows and commercials contribute to her financial portfolio.
How Does Vanna White’s Net Worth Compare to Other Game Show Hosts?
White’s net worth places her among the most successful game show hosts. Here’s how she compares:
- Pat Sajak – Estimated net worth: $75 million
- Ryan Seacrest – Estimated net worth: $450 million (due to his extensive media career)
- Alex Trebek (at time of death in 2020) – Estimated net worth: $75 million
Despite being a game show co-host rather than a primary host, White’s investment strategies and passive income streams have enabled her to surpass many of her counterparts financially.
What Challenges Has Vanna White Faced in Her Career?
While White has enjoyed immense success, she has also faced legal battles, contract disputes, and personal hardships.
1. Salary Negotiation Struggles
- For 18 years (2005-2023), White’s salary remained frozen at $3 million per year, despite the show’s massive success.
- She fought for a pay increase in 2023, ensuring she was fairly compensated for her contributions to the show.
2. Playboy Lawsuit
- In 1987, Playboy published unauthorized lingerie photos of White from before her fame.
- She sued both Hugh Hefner and Playboy, arguing the photos were meant to remain private.
- Although the lawsuit was ultimately dropped, White later expressed regret over taking the photos in her early Hollywood days.
3. Sony Lawsuit Against Samsung
- In 1993, White successfully sued Samsung Electronics for using a robot in a commercial that resembled her likeness.
- After multiple appeals, she won $403,000 in damages, setting a precedent for image rights in advertising.
What’s Next for Vanna White in 2025 and Beyond?
As White enters her 42nd season with Wheel of Fortune, she remains a key part of the show’s legacy. Despite Pat Sajak’s retirement, White has signed on to stay through the 2025-2026 season, alongside new host Ryan Seacrest.
Outside of television, she continues to:
- Expand her real estate portfolio
- Explore new business opportunities
- Engage in philanthropy, particularly with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she has donated over $1.8 million to date
While retirement remains a possibility in the next few years, White has no immediate plans to step away. She has stated she loves her job and wants to continue as long as she enjoys it.
Final Thoughts: How Vanna White Built Her $85 Million Fortune
Vanna White’s journey from a struggling actress to a multi-millionaire television icon is a story of persistence, smart investments, and business acumen.
At 67 years old, with a net worth of $85 million, White remains a dominant force in the entertainment industry. Thanks to her casino royalties, real estate holdings, and increased salary, she has secured financial independence for decades to come.
Her legacy on Wheel of Fortune is unmatched, and as she enters a new era alongside Ryan Seacrest, fans will continue to see her as the beloved face of America’s favorite game show.
