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Four Georgia women are pissed that they had to pay 99 cents to play that "Deal or No Deal" Lucky Case Game -- and now they're charging in a federal suit against NBC that it's just a form of illegal gambling. Wanna bet they didn't win?
In the suit, which was filed yesterday, the women allege that the promotion -- in which viewers text numbers to pick what they think will be the winning briefcase -- constitutes illegal gambling, and is actually a lottery under California, Massachusetts, and New York state laws, because they had to pay a 99 cent "premium" fee to play. There's no charge to play via Internet. Prizes in the game range from $10,000 to $100,000.
The plaintiffs, who are seeking unspecified damages and are seeking class-action status, also names production company Endemol USA in the suit. Press reports suggest that Howie Mandel wasn't touched by the suit.
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Reader Comments
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They didn't HAVE to pay, no one had a gun to their heads it was their choice, if they didn't play they wouldn't be out .99. How foolish they sound!!!!
This is kind of ummm ..^%^ @$# STUPID!! Did NBC somehow, someway force these chics to play . . Maybe NBC sent out a signal for just them to vote . . and vote more than once. Unreal!!..There has to be some kinda law to prevent funding for B.S. cases as such.
Wow, have these women never bought a lottery ticket, gone to a casino or maybe played bridge for money? I doubt it. I've called the number. Can I get in this lawsuit,LOL....
Howie mandel originally from hamilton Ontario Canada (no matter what his bio states) is a big mouth that has reached a measure (about one inch) an I have to wonder why.
Having met the jerk years ago I still recall the abrasive,smug,egotistical moron always looking in a mirror. (it isn't going to improve Howie)
His rabbi hated him - his community ignored him.
Why is he in TMZ?
I laughed so hard after reading this, that I fell out of my chair. Don't they say that there will be a 99cent charge..HELLOO!!!! What a bunch of dummies!!!
They are probably 4 fat Georgia broads and just jealous of the models.
You guys commenting are really dumb..the 'lucky case game' has taken in over $100 million dollars...and there is no doubt it is illegal...these '4 Dumb broads' are going to get rich!
you guys are really slow...
these girls are smart you dummies..wake up!!! this show has collected $100 million on the lucky case game. You go girls
What total idiots!! Dont they know that they not paying to "play" the game they are paying for the text message!!
I know they seen the text wrote all across the bottom of the screen there is a $.99 fee and they still voted thats them $.99 WOW thats a lot
People will sue for anything nowadays!! Give me a break! 99cents????? What a joke!
The $.99 fee is probably a text fee charged by cellular phone companies for text messages, and not a fee to participate in the game. That's why it is free to play on the internet.
