Why did people desperately tired to avoid getting on Press your luck?

People desperately tried to avoid getting on "Press Your Luck" due to the show's infamous "Whammy," a cartoon character that could take away a contestant's winnings. The fear of losing everything they had accumulated during the game created significant anxiety. Additionally, contestants faced the pressure of balancing risk and reward, as the game involved spinning a Big Board with the potential for both great prizes and devastating losses. This combination of high stakes and the unpredictable nature of the game led many to feel apprehensive about participating.