Thousands try out for 'Deal or No Deal'

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Jason Gibson of Cape Girardeau lost $400 at poker Friday night, then stood in line Saturday for a chance to get on a game show with a $1 million prize.

The 21-year-old filled out an application form for NBC's "Deal or No Deal," as did a few thousand other people at the events center of Harrah's Casino Hotel in Metroplis.

The casting directors were not interested in hearing how much someone loves the show or even what they would do with $1 million. They wanted to know what made each person different.

"I'm amazing," Gibson told them.

But if he did win a million dollars, Gibson plans on sharing the money with people he likes and investing some of it in a business of his own.

The show was looking for energetic, charismatic and outgoing individuals who can think quickly on their feet, she said. A contestant for "Deal or No Deal" faces 26 sealed briefcases containing anything from a penny to $1 million. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one -- his to keep, if he chooses, until it is unsealed at the game's end.

By 10:15 a.m., about 1,000 people were in line to meet the casting directors.

"After another 1,000 we just quit counting," said Jamie Gaines, events coordinator for Harrah's.

They turned people away Thursday night because of an anticipated bad storm and were unaware of the severity of Friday night's storm until it was upon them. "We had about 350 campers last night despite the lightning, wind, nonstop rain, high humidity and temperatures of 100 degrees. Diehards remained under ponchos and umbrellas," Gaines said.

After waiting outside, contestants were led into the events center in groups of 15. Two 6-by-8-foot screens aired segments of a previous show with visiting contestant Stephanie Lynch of Hendersonville, Tenn. Lynch walked the perimeter of the room, talking with potential contestants. The 26-year-old first-grade teacher won $69,000 on a show that aired March 27.

Describing the show, Lynch said, "It's the experience of a lifetime. Nothing compares to it."

Call-backs will be on Monday and Tuesday, Gaines said. There is no set number on how many will get that call.

"It all depends on how well they do," Gaines said.

Mary-Rachel Foot, one of the show's casting directors, said they've been casting across the country for the second season.

"Since the larger markets have been filled we want to get characters from smaller towns," she said. "The person that has a really good chance of getting a call-back will be quick-witted, have fun with the banker, be able to entertain you in 30 seconds and interact with Howie Mandel," the show's host, Foot said.

Those selected to appear on the show will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for a taping, which could happen as early as next month.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133