In a recent investigation, the popular Italian game show Affari Tuoi has come under scrutiny for its transparency and the randomness of its prize distribution. The segment aired on Striscia la Notizia on April 18, 2025, raises serious questions about how contestants are selected and whether their personal information is being exploited to enhance the show's emotional appeal.
At the center of the investigation is lawyer Massimiliano Dona, the president of the National Consumers Union, who has previously voiced concerns regarding the audition processes of Affari Tuoi. Dona alleges that the show's producers collect sensitive personal data from contestants, including 'lucky' numbers, mortgage amounts, and significant dates tied to personal tragedies. "These are extremely sensitive data," Dona stated, "because by knowing them, it’s enough to match them with the highest prizes to create highly emotional games." This assertion has sparked outrage among viewers worried about potential privacy violations, particularly when the data relates to painful memories.
Striscia la Notizia's report highlighted three specific cases from the current season where high-value prize packages were linked to numbers associated with the contestants' grief. On October 3, 2024, a contestant changed his choice from package 13 to 11—a number significant to him because he donated bone marrow to his deceased sister on November 11, 2024. The new package contained 100,000 euros. Similarly, on January 16, 2025, another contestant switched to package 13, which she connected to her deceased father and brother, leading to a prize of 200,000 euros. On January 22, 2025, package 9, linked to the birth date of a deceased cousin, reached the final with a prize of 100,000 euros. Rajae Bezzaz, the reporter for Striscia, commented, "It seems that besides violating privacy rules, they are also violating good taste."
For months, Striscia la Notizia has been questioning the integrity of Affari Tuoi, a game show that routinely offers prizes up to 300,000 euros. The investigation has revealed surprising behind-the-scenes details, casting doubt on the supposed luck that underpins a game meant to be based on chance. The show is often referred to as the 'game of packages,' and there are claims that an 'invisible limit' exists, capping winnings at about 30,000 euros per episode. This was corroborated by Max Giusti, a former host of Affari Tuoi, who revealed in a podcast that each episode operated under a strict budget. If someone won excessively, subsequent episodes would have to balance the winnings to remain within budget.
Striscia's findings indicate that the average winnings for the show remain below the alleged cap of 30,000 euros, raising questions about the randomness of the game. Contestants are reportedly asked about their lucky numbers during pre-interviews, which are then used to influence prize assignments. The show's producer, referred to as 'the Doctor,' supposedly utilizes these numbers to steer the game in a particular direction. This suggests an 'invisible control' mechanism that allows the show to engage viewers while adhering to budget constraints.
In light of these revelations, Codacons, a consumer rights organization, has filed a formal complaint with the Rome Prosecutor's Office, alleging fraud and unfair commercial practices. They argue that if the winnings and losses are manipulated, it constitutes both a deceptive business practice and aggravated fraud. The organization contends that such tactics mislead contestants into losing money, ultimately benefiting the show financially.
The ongoing scrutiny of Affari Tuoi comes at a time when the show continues to enjoy high ratings, largely due to the charisma of its current host, Stefano De Martino. However, the allegations have cast a shadow over its reputation, prompting calls for greater transparency in how the show operates. Viewers are left wondering how much of what they see on screen is genuine and how much is orchestrated behind the scenes.
One particularly memorable incident involved Flavio Insinna, a former host, who faced backlash after a contestant accepted an offer of 45,000 euros, inadvertently forfeiting a package containing 150,000 euros. A leaked outtake from behind the scenes showed Insinna expressing his frustration, suggesting that the contestant should have continued playing. This incident not only highlights the emotional stakes involved but also raises questions about the ethical implications of the show's format.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Affari Tuoi could be significant. The show, funded in part by public money through mandatory television licenses, has a responsibility to its audience to ensure fairness and transparency. The ongoing revelations challenge the narrative of luck and chance that the show promotes, suggesting a more calculated approach to prize distribution.
In the wake of these developments, it remains to be seen how Affari Tuoi will respond. Will they implement changes to address these concerns, or will they continue with business as usual? Viewers are paying close attention, and the outcome of Codacons' complaint may set a precedent for how game shows operate in Italy.
