Roblox: illegal casinos target children

Since its creation in 2006, Roblox has established itself as one of the world’s most popular gaming platforms. Attracting more than 66 million daily active users, it is particularly popular with children and teenagers. However, a worrying phenomenon is emerging in this creative world: illegal third-party sites are exploiting the platform to lure young people into the world of online gambling, turning the gaming experience into a fertile ground for criminal activity.

Robux: when virtual currency becomes a gateway to gambling

Robux, Roblox’s virtual currency, is at the heart of this affair. Initially designed to enable users to buy virtual objects, such as clothes for their avatars or improvements to their games, this currency has been diverted from its original purpose. Illegal third-party sites now allow players to bet their Robux on games of chance. These bets often take the form of roulette wheels, card games or mechanisms inspired by traditional casinos.

An investigation by Sky News reveals that some of these sites not only offer illegal games: they also offer the option of converting Robux into cryptocurrencies, making transactions even more difficult to trace. This conversion opens the door to large-scale money laundering, while exposing young users to significant financial risks.

“Criminals will always try and find new ways to exploit people, including children,” laments Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission.

Alarming figures and increasing measures

Faced with this growing threat, the authorities and technology companies are stepping up their efforts to limit the proliferation of these third-party sites. Since April 2023, more than 75,000 suspicious URLs have been removed from search engines, and 250 illegal sites have been shut down.

These measures, while encouraging, are not enough to eliminate the problem. Illegal sites reappear quickly, often under new web addresses or via encrypted networks. This highlights the need for greater collaboration between regulators, technology companies and parents.

Why is Roblox an ideal target for criminals?

With a user base made up of over 60% children and teenagers, Roblox is an ideal target for criminal activity. Young people’s relative inexperience with online risks makes them easy prey. They are attracted by the excitement and the promise of quick winnings. They do not realise that these games of chance can lead to significant financial losses or initiate addictive behaviour.

The anonymous nature of online transactions adds another layer of complexity. Criminals exploit this vulnerability to introduce children into betting systems where losses can quickly become significant.

A worrying psychological impact

Experts also warn of the psychological consequences of these practices. Gambling, even in virtual form, can initiate addictive behaviour in children. The adrenalin generated by betting, combined with the illusion of control, can quickly turn a pastime into a harmful habit.

“If children are exposed to gambling at an earlier age, they’re more likely to experience difficulties with gambling later in life,” warns Dr Jane Rigbye, chief executive of underage gambling charity YGAM.

Roblox takes action against illegal gambling

Aware of the seriousness of the problem, Roblox has stepped up its efforts to ensure the safety of its users. The platform is working closely with authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission to detect and report suspicious activity.

A Roblox spokesperson said:
“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.”

However, despite these initiatives, the decentralised and ever-changing nature of criminal activity on the internet makes the task complex. Roblox also stressed the importance of users reporting any suspicious content or activity.

The role of parents: increased vigilance

In this context, parents and educators also play a crucial role in protecting their children. Here are a few recommendations for protecting children:

• Monitor the platforms used: Check the sites and games your children visit.
• Talk about the risks: Explain the dangers of gambling and using unauthorised platforms.
• Activate parental controls: Use the tools offered by Roblox to limit access to inappropriate content.
• Encourage open communication: Encourage children to talk about their experiences online, without fear of judgement.

Parents should also find out about the security mechanisms offered by Roblox, such as two-step verification.

A global issue: gambling and young people

Roblox is not an isolated case. Other popular online gaming platforms, such as Fortnite or Minecraft, have also been hijacked by criminals to introduce betting systems or similar practices. This trend highlights a global challenge: protecting young users from the excesses of the digital world.

Experts believe that stronger action is needed at legislative level. Imposing tougher penalties on illegal operators and making platforms more accountable in order to better monitor their ecosystems could be long-term solutions.

Collective vigilance essential

As Roblox continues to grow in popularity, the platform remains at a crossroads between innovation and risk. The fight against illegal casinos is not just a question of legality: it is a battle to protect the younger generation from dangerous influences.

Parents, educators, regulators and businesses must join forces to make children’s digital space safe. Awareness, education and active surveillance remain the best weapons against this growing threat.