I never said my feeling about this was outrage. But, I do consider it unethical, and it's something I would not take part in.
I'm OK with honest gambling...payouts of 85% to 95%, as found in Las Vegas. I'm not OK with lotteries (which are legal, and in fact operated by the government, but I consider them unethical for the same reason...they prey on those least able to understand the odds and the costs, and those who most desperately need money). At least in the case of lotteries it contributes to some sort of common good (states usually say it is for schools; "think of the children!"). Swoopo is contributing to nothing but filling the pockets of the founders.
Maybe they donate to charities. I would, I promise!
Also, what actually made me start building it was that I would have a twist where losers would be given the chance to still buy the product at a discount (ensuring a profit margin by taking into account revenue from bids and % of people who usually would take the 'consolation' offer).
I'm OK with honest gambling...payouts of 85% to 95%, as found in Las Vegas. I'm not OK with lotteries (which are legal, and in fact operated by the government, but I consider them unethical for the same reason...they prey on those least able to understand the odds and the costs, and those who most desperately need money). At least in the case of lotteries it contributes to some sort of common good (states usually say it is for schools; "think of the children!"). Swoopo is contributing to nothing but filling the pockets of the founders.