"I was fascinated to discover the auction hybrid site swoopo.com (previously known as telebid.com). It's a strange combination of eBay, woot, and slot machine... Even when you win, you can lose. Remember that each bid costs you 75 cents, while only increasing the price of the item 15 cents. "

This is an interesting concept, and the figures, well, these guys must be rolling in it. Exploiting human nature the best way possible - without them knowing it.