A Sky News investigation has brought to light alarming activity from illegal online casinos advertising their sites to Roblox players and allowing users, regardless of age, to log in using their Roblox credentials. Roblox is one of the biggest video games in the world, with over 80 million daily players, and It's popular with young children with around 42% of its users being under 13 years old, according to Roblox. The investigation, which has since prompted action from regulatory bodies and platforms, highlights the importance of player protection and safeguarding children in the digital age.
BetDaddy’s Takeaways
1️⃣ Illegal casinos exploited Roblox’s popularity by advertising their gambling sites to young players and allowing them to log in with Roblox credentials, bypassing age verification.
2️⃣ Sky News' investigation exposed these practices, prompting action from both Roblox Corporation and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
3️⃣ The UK Gambling Commission highlighted the illegal nature of these operations, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and Roblox responded swiftly, banning accounts associated with the promotion of illegal gambling and reinforcing their commitment to player protection.
How the Illegal Casinos Operated
The report revealed that illegal casinos, including platforms like Bloxmoon and RBLXWild, were targeting young Roblox users by promoting their websites in virtual spaces designed for gaming and social interaction. These casinos offered games of chance, enabling users to gamble using Roblox’s in-game currency, Robux.
The concerning twist was that players could log into these casinos using their Roblox credentials, bypassing age verification and opening access to gambling for children and teenagers. Additionally, Robux — purchased with real money — could be converted into tangible cash through third-party exchanges, effectively creating a real-money gambling ecosystem.
An anonymous teenager, interviewed during the investigation, shared their shocking experience of spending around £150,000 on these platforms from the age of 14, describing the addictive nature of these games and the emotional toll it took. This testimony underscores the significant impact these illegal practices had on vulnerable users.
Protecting Young Players: Action Taken
The exposé by Sky News prompted swift action from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Roblox. Roblox confirmed that the accounts promoting or facilitating these illegal gambling sites have been banned. The third casino investigated by Sky News, BloxFlip, announced it was permanently shutting down less than 36 hours after Sky News presented its findings to the casino and to Roblox. In the meantime, additional monitoring measures are being implemented to prevent similar activities in the future.
Roblox stated to Sky News that the casinos are "in no way endorsed or authorised by Roblox" and that the company has taken "numerous steps to disrupt their activity, which violates our Terms of Use".
"We have a dedicated group focused on identifying potentially fraudulent activity on Roblox and we work collaboratively with law enforcement authorities where possible to pursue the owners of such websites," the spokesperson said. "Our efforts have met with some success, but we would welcome further law enforcement action and vigilance from web hosting providers to shut down sites like this."
Meanwhile, the UK Gambling Commission, responsible for regulating gambling activity within the UK, emphasized that such websites are operating illegally and are being closely monitored. The UKGC highlighted the importance of public awareness and encouraged individuals to report any gambling-related misconduct targeting children or minors.
A Wake-Up Call for Children’s Safety & Player Protection
The revelations have sparked conversations around the evolving tactics used by illegal operators to exploit digital platforms and the need for enhanced safeguards. This incident underlines the shared responsibility of gaming platforms, regulatory bodies, and parents in protecting young users from harm.
For parents, this serves as an opportunity to engage in open dialogue with children about the risks associated with online activities and to keep an eye on their gaming habits. On a broader scale, it underscores the importance of proactive measures by gaming platforms to ensure their ecosystems are free from exploitation.
Conclusion
The shutdown of illegal casinos advertising to Roblox players is a step forward in reinforcing digital safety and protecting children. As the gaming industry continues to innovate, it is crucial for platforms, regulators, and users alike to work collaboratively to foster environments that prioritize safety, transparency, and trust. Sky News’ investigation serves as a powerful example of how collaboration between media, regulators, and platforms can expose and address threats to vulnerable users.