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 enables rapid, potentially excessive spending to accelerate progress. This isn't an isolated incident; other users report significant in-app expenditures, demonstrating the game's addictive nature.

One Reddit user detailed their stepdaughter's $25,000, 368-purchase spending spree within Monopoly GO via the App Store. The post, since removed, sought advice on obtaining a refund, but comments suggest the game's terms of service likely hold the user responsible for all transactions, regardless of intent. This practice is common in freemium games, exemplified by Pokemon TCG Pocket's $208 million first-month revenue generated through microtransactions.

In-App Purchases: A Persistent Problem

The profitability of microtransactions is undeniable; Diablo 4 generated over $150 million in microtransaction revenue. This model encourages incremental spending, potentially leading to significantly higher overall expenditure than a single, equivalent purchase. This very feature, however, fuels criticism, as it can feel manipulative and lead to unintended overspending.

The Reddit user's chances of a refund appear slim. This serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which significant sums can be spent in Monopoly GO and similar games.