Following an in-depth investigation by Sky News, unlicensed online casinos operating on the popular Roblox platform have been permanently closed.
Illegal gambling sites allowing minors to bet using Roblox credentials have closed following mounting legal pressure. The investigation focused on Bloxmoon, RBLXWild, and Bflip, which marketed their services to Roblox players through social media. Users gambled with Robux, converting winnings into cryptocurrency, taking advantage of a platform where 42% of users are under 13.
Bloxmoon and RBLXWild closed their operations on Tuesday, redirecting users to Discord channels for refund discussions without providing specific reasons for their abrupt shutdown. In contrast, Bflip has remained temporarily accessible but announced its “immediate and permanent shutdown,” citing mounting legal pressure from Roblox Corporation.
A notice on Bflip’s website stated that the the legal team representing Roblox has applied pressure, compelling to cease operations. And that by shutting down now, they can begin refunding users quickly and safely.
These developments signal a major milestone in addressing unregulated gambling targeting Roblox’s young audience. Roblox Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to community safety, emphasizing the role of its specialized team in preventing the misuse of Robux for gambling activities.
However, reports reveal that these gambling platforms have been operational since at least 2022, sparking concerns about the efficacy of prior efforts to curb such activities and protect younger players from exploitation.
The harm caused by these platforms is underscored by the story of “Robert,” a teenager interviewed by Sky News who began gambling on these sites at 14. Over the years, he wagered roughly £150,000 worth of Robux. Robert described the activity as highly addictive, driven by the thrill of placing increasingly larger bets. Unaware that his actions were illegal, he saw gambling as an easy way to earn extra money. The rapid closure of these gambling platforms has been widely commended by regulatory authorities and advocacy groups.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, leader of a parliamentary group addressing gambling-related harms, mentioned:
The Gambling Commission and Roblox must remain vigilant to ensure further sites do not reappear.
Playing a central role in blocking these platforms in the UK, the Gambling Commission stressed its resolve to tackle unlawful gambling activities.
Andrew Rhodes, the commission’s chief executive, warned:
We will always take action against illegal gambling sites and are pleased these sites have ceased operations. Criminals will always look for ways to target vulnerable people. We ask parents and carers to be vigilant about the sites used by children.
The exposure and closure of these platforms highlight the wider issue of regulating online environments. With platforms like Roblox hosting extensive and diverse communities, safeguarding users, especially children, continues to be a significant challenge. Although Roblox asserts its commitment to proactive safety measures, the continued existence of such platforms casts doubt on the effectiveness of its current protections.
