You don't have to spend money to play this game. However, the new trend with events seems to be that spending is required to participate and/or get clothing items guaranteed. Events are also getting more and more expensive, to the point where the amount you have to pay for an item is ridiculous. I have been spending on this game, but I am no longer willing to do so for a game that doesn't care about its playerbase and is only designed to wring as much money out of you as it can.