🎲 Mobile Gaming Madness: Why “Monopoly Go!” Might Cost You More Than Just Time! 🎲

Ever found yourself mindlessly tapping through a mobile game, only to realize hours have passed and you’re hooked; inviting your Facebook friends and watching ads to secure just a few more rolls? Welcome to the world of “Monopoly Go!” a seemingly innocent, Hasbro-backed app that’s raked in billions by pulling us all into a cycle of in-game spending!

In this week’s episode Vix and Charlotte share their unexpected addiction to Monopoly Go! and peel back the game’s cunning layers designed to keep players rolling dice (and spending real money) – even though what you’re winning isn’t real. 

The Allure of “Monopoly Go!”

It’s a simple setup: roll dice, move around a familiar board, collect “rewards,” and… that’s it. But the game has drawn in tons of players with irresistible ads and in-app purchases. Vix reveals the sobering costs behind what might feel like “just one more roll” – sheepishly admitting to spending over £400 on what was supposed to be a free game! The money is siphoned off in small, easy to justify multiples, so you never really notice how much you’ve spent - until your bank statements come in. 

They dig into how the app’s flashy promotions, countdown timers, and “deals” on extra dice make the game nearly indistinguishable from a slot machine. Every purchase can feel like a bargain, but it's hard to see the mounting costs until your bank balance takes a hit.

Gambling or Gaming? Should ‘Monopoly Go!’ be regulated?
Through the episode they draw comparisons between Monopoly Go! and traditional gambling. Just like in a casino, you’re enticed to keep going with hopes of hitting the “jackpot” – but here, the jackpot is more in-game currency, and no one is serving you free drinks like Vegas does. This “game” lacks the skill or complexity of actual video games, yet still pushes players to spend.

Even though Monopoly Go doesn’t meet the legal criteria for gambling (because there’s technically no real prize), our hosts argue that its addictive mechanics call for more regulation, whilst no money may be coming back, the in-game rewards do have a defined cash value.

Is there a case for starting a petition to get Monopoly Go and other similar apps reviewed by the Gambling Commission? Should they be the people to start it? 

Avoiding the Trap!

The podcast wraps with a firm PSA: “Do NOT download Monopoly Go!” If you’re already playing? Delete it. Vix and Charlotte bring laughter and honesty to their own experiences but drive home the bigger picture – these games are engineered to take your time, money, and attention. 

So next time you’re tempted to roll the dice, remember, the only thing you’re betting is your wallet. Take a minute, think about what that money could do in the real world, and close the app.