What happens to prize money received by the winners of 'The Traitors'? Rob Rausch opens up: 'I have to...'
'The Traitors' just wrapped up its fourth season on Thursday with a finale that will live on in fans' memories. Former 'Love Island' contestant, Rob Rausch, was declared the winner after he revealed himself to be the traitor to the Faithful Maura Higgins in the grand finale. Throughout the season, the contestants competed in missions to collect a prize amount of $220,800, all of which went to Rob at the end. But fans have been wondering if the winners get to keep all the money or if it goes to charity. Well, we've got you covered.
Celebrities who appear on reality shows like 'The Traitors' often tend to donate their winning prize money to charity, but that's not always the case with reality stars.
Rob, a reality star who works as a professional snake wrangler in real life, said at the reunion special that he will save the cash prize for his future. He added that he would splurge on one luxury item, not for himself, but for Maura. Maura, an alum of 'Love Island UK,' was his friend and trusted ally, but he tricked her into thinking that he was Faithful all season. Maura thought that they could split the cash prize as the last two Faithfuls standing, and was devastated when Rob revealed himself to be a traitor from the very start, becoming the sole winner of the show.
The 27-year-old winner told the reunion host, Andy Cohen, that he felt bad for betraying Maura and wanted to make amends with a luxury gift. He said, "I have to buy Maura a Birkin Bag," which Lisa Rinna reminded him costs a minimum of $10,000. 
We know of Rob's financial plans, but what about past winners of the Peacock series and their prize money? In Season 3, the Faithfuls Dolores Catania, Ivar Mountbatten, Dylan Efron, and Gabby Windey split their over $204,300 prize money equally, with each receiving $51,000. In March 2025, Efron told People he used the money to move into a larger apartment. “I moved out of my one-bedroom little studio and now I’ve got a guest room and a dishwasher. I’m still learning how to use it!” On the other hand, Mountbatten and Catania decided to help their kids financially.
Mountbatten planned to help his paramedic daughter, Ella, purchase a 'camper van and travel around a bit.' Whereas, 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Catania said that, “I was going to buy myself something, and that's not happening because my son got engaged, so now I have to put that towards that." She also added that she wants to donate some amount to the Halfway Home animal rescue and a shelter in Patterson, New Jersey.
