[h=3]History of the challenge[/h] Randi got the idea for the challenge when, during a radio panel discussion, a parapsychologist challenged him to "put [his] money where [his] mouth is."[SUP][14][/SUP] In 1964, Randi started offering $1,000, then $10,000 prizes. Later, Lexington Broadcasting wanted Randi to do a show called the $100,000 Psychic Prize, so they added $90,000 to the original $10,000 raised by Randi. Finally, in 1996, one of his friends, Internet pioneer Rick Adams donated US $1,000,000 for the prize.[SUP][13][/SUP] As the prize fund grew, the rules that surround claiming the prize became more official and legal.[SUP][15][/SUP] So far, about a thousand people have taken the challenge, and not one has been successful.[SUP][16][/SUP]
To claim, one must agree to a protocol for testing, must show in a preliminary test before a foundation representative that they are likely to succeed, and finally make a demonstration in a formal test in front of independent witnesses.[SUP][17][/SUP] To date, over 1,000 applications have been filed but no one has passed a preliminary test, which is set up and agreed upon by both Randi and the applicant.
In the conditions and rules governing the one million U.S.-dollar challenge, Randi plainly states that both parties (himself and the party accepting the challenge) must agree in advance as to what conditions of the test constitute a success and what constitutes a failure. He also refuses to accept any challengers who might suffer serious injury or death as a result of the test they intend to undergo.[SUP][18][/SUP]
Dennis Rawlins claimed the challenge is insincere, and that Randi will ensure he never has to pay out. In the October 1981 issue of Fate, Rawlins quoted him as saying "I always have an out".[SUP][19][/SUP] Randi has stated that Rawlins did not give the entire quotation.[SUP][20][/SUP] Randi actually said "Concerning the challenge, I always have an 'out': I'm right!".[SUP][21][/SUP] Randi states that the phrase "I always have an out" refers to the fact that he does not allow test subjects to cheat.[SUP][22][/SUP] On Larry King Live Randi stated that if such phenomena did exist and someone accurately demonstrated it, he would give them one million dollars.
On Larry King Live, March 6, 2001, Larry King asked Sylvia Browne if she would take the challenge and she agreed.[SUP][23][/SUP] Randi appeared with Browne again on Larry King Live on September 3, 2001 and she again accepted the challenge.[SUP][24][/SUP] However, she has refused to be tested and Randi kept a clock on his website[SUP][25][/SUP] recording the number of weeks that have passed since Sylvia accepted the challenge without following through. Eventually the clock was replaced with text stating that "over 5 years". In an appearance on Larry King Live on January 26, 2007, Randi challenged Rosemary Altea to take the one million challenge. On Altea and Randi's June 5, 2001 meeting on the same show, Altea refused to take the challenge, calling it "a trick".[SUP][16][/SUP] Instead Altea, in part, replied "I agree with what he says, that there are many, many people who claim to be spiritual mediums, they claim to talk to the dead. There are many, people, we all know this. There are cheats and charlatans everywhere."[SUP][26][/SUP]
Since April 1, 2007 only those with an already existing media profile and the backing of a reputable academic are allowed to apply for the challenge.[SUP][27][/SUP] The resources freed up by not having to test obscure and possibly mentally ill claimants will then be used to challenge high-profile alleged psychics and mediums such as Sylvia Browne and John Edward with a campaign in the media.[SUP][27][/SUP]
On January 4, 2008 it was announced that the prize would be discontinued on March 6, 2010 in order to free the money for other uses. In the meantime, claimants were welcome to vie for it. One of the reasons offered for its discontinuation is the unwillingness of higher-profile claimants to apply.[SUP][28][/SUP] However, at The Amaz!ng Meeting 7, it was announced that the $1 Million Challenge prize would not expire in 2010. This was also confirmed in the July/August issue of Skeptical Inquirer, in which Randi is additionally quoted as saying: "It was going to terminate... but now it will continue." The Foundation issued a formal update on its website on July 30, 2009 announcing the Challenge's continuation, and stated more information would be provided at a later date on any possible changes to the requirements and procedures.[SUP][/SUP]
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