17 Year Old Spends $25,000 on Monopoly GO

A 17-year-old's $25,000 Monopoly GO spending spree highlights the financial risks of in-app purchases. While the game is free, its microtransaction system allows for rapid, substantial spending to accelerate progress and unlock rewards. This isn't an isolated incident; other players have reported spending thousands.

One Reddit user detailed their stepdaughter's $25,000 expenditure, made across 368 in-app transactions. The post, since removed, sought advice on obtaining a refund. However, comments suggested the game's terms of service likely hold the user responsible, a common practice in the freemium gaming model. This mirrors similar controversies, such as the $208 million Pokemon TCG Pocket earned in its first month through microtransactions.

In-game microtransactions remain a contentious issue. The practice, highly profitable as seen in Diablo 4's $150 million microtransaction revenue, often faces criticism for its potential to mislead players into excessive spending. A 2023 class-action lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive over NBA 2K's microtransaction model exemplifies this ongoing debate. While this Monopoly GO case may not reach court, it underscores the prevalent issue of uncontrolled in-app spending.

The Reddit user's situation serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the ease with which significant sums can be spent in Monopoly GO and similar games, and the challenges in securing refunds for unintentional purchases.