Split or Steal – Gamified bill splitting using the prisoner's dilemma

Summary: Split or Steal applies game theory to bill splitting by having participants secretly vote to split (pay their share) or steal (pay nothing). If multiple people steal, they pay more, incentivizing fairness and eliminating awkward payment discussions.

What it does

Users vote secretly to split or steal; if only one steals, they avoid paying, but if multiple steal, they incur higher costs. This mechanism adjusts payments based on group behavior to ensure fair contributions.

Who it's for

It is designed for groups sharing expenses like restaurant bills, rent, road trips, or other shared costs where payment fairness is a concern.

Why it matters

It addresses the problem of freeloaders by making payment decisions a strategic game, encouraging honest contributions without direct confrontation.