July 10, 2007
Text Message Gambling?
Some of the most popular television shows like “Deal or No Deal,” “The Apprentice” and “One vs. 100″have been raking in cash from text message contests. The New York Time's Bits Blog reports.
"Networks share the revenues with cell phone carriers. The 99 cent charges are clearly disclosed to viewers. Yet, some viewers are upset about it.
Two game show fans in Georgia, a hairdresser and a secretary, have filed a class-action suit in Los Angeles alleging that these shows’ contests equate to gambling.
It’s unclear if the lawsuits will go anywhere, but in the meantime, Limbo, a cell phone entertainment company, is promoting its Web site as a solution to the problem.
Limbo has created a point system for text message contests, which lets people who participate in contests earn points that can be redeemed for CDs, magazines, toys and other goodies. Limbo says that the game shows should offer all viewers who participate in their text message contests something in exchange."
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