Gambling Commission Blocks Roblox-Linked Online Casinos

_{Teens gambling on unlicensed Roblox-linked casino sites prompted regulatory action. (Image: tofino / Alamy Stock Photo)}

The popular children’s online game Roblox has been compromised by rogue elements, forcing the UK Gambling Commission to block three unlicensed online casinos linked to it.

The unlicensed casinos allow children of any age to sign up using their Roblox accounts and bet their in-game currency (Robux) on mobile games like slots and blackjack. 

Teenager Gambled £150,000 

Sky News has reported that one 15-year-old, Robert, gambled 15 million Robux, £150,000, since using the sites at 14 years of age. The teenager told Sky News that his mother tried to get him to stop, but he didn’t. 

The teenager said, “I just liked the adrenaline of doing bigger and bigger bets.” 

Social media platforms have already had their share of comments regarding the issue. One poster on Reddit said: “Bloxflip is a gambling website, which could easily cause addiction in vulnerable people. I gave it a shot like 3 months ago; I put 1000 of my robux there and came back with none.” 

It is estimated that there are around 80 million daily active users of Roblox, with 42% of its users estimated to be aged 12 or under.  

The investigation by Sky News revealed that three of the largest Robux casinos—BloxFlip, Bloxmoon, and RBLXWild—combined receive around 2.8 million visitors each month and facilitate millions of pounds worth of bets. 

Urgent Investigation Launched by Gambling Commission 

The UK Gambling Commission has launched an urgent investigation into the Robux casinos and has blocked them from the UK. 

A Roblox spokesperson said that the casinos are “in no way endorsed or authorised” by the company. 

They said Roblox has taken action to “pursue the owners” of the websites but that it welcomes “further law enforcement action and vigilance” from web hosting providers. 

£10 Million to Fund Gambling Harm Prevention Programme for Young People 

Through the Betting and Gaming Council, members are providing £10M to support an independently created and evidence-led program of education, training, and support for 11-19-year-olds in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

Delivered by YGAM and GamCare, the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme will ensure that young people receive at least one gambling awareness session during their secondary education. 

Teachers, youth workers, and other professionals will also have access to information about the risks of betting, how to identify betting-related harm, and where to get help.

Information will also be made available to parents and families about young people’s gambling, how to keep them safe, and where they can be referred for help and support. 

And under-18s who are at risk of, or have developed, a problem with gambling—or are affected by gambling of someone close to them—will have access to age-appropriate treatment.