UK Gambling Commission Cracks Down on Unlawful Gambling Sites Exploiting Roblox to Lure Underage Players
In a revelation by Sky News, certain online casinos have been discovered to accept Roblox account details from users, enabling them to gamble using the video game's digital currency. Users merely need to confirm their age, often without providing any verification. With around 80 million daily players, approximately 17.6 million of whom are under 13, the implications for underage gambling are significant.
A US teenager, for instance, lost approximately £150,000 ($190,471) worth of Robux after joining a gambling site at the age of 14. Traditionally, the minimum age requirement is 21.
The investigation by Sky News focused on three major Robux casinos - RBLXWild, Bloxmoon, and BloxFlip. As a consequence, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has initiated its own investigation and blocked UK residents from accessing these platforms.
UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes expressed concern, stating, "Criminals will always try and find new ways to exploit people, including children."
At present, legal action continues against Roblox in the US. Parents have accused the game's creator of knowledge of the link to gambling sites and profiting through a 30% conversion fee when converting Robux to US dollars. This suit alleges that the company is violating consumer protection laws and endangering minors.
Roblox is currently embroiled in a class-action lawsuit, with plaintiffs claiming the company's practices are both illegal and harmful to minors. Additionally, the company has agreed to pay $10 million as part of a settlement for unrelated claims involving excessive purchases and alleged cover-ups.
The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about Roblox's management of virtual transactions and their potential impact on minors. As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes are high, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of young users.
Casino-and-gambling activities using Roblox's digital currency have been found in various online platforms, including casino-games like RBLXWild, Bloxmoon, and BloxFlip. Given the significant number of underage users on Roblox, the UK Gambling Commission is investigating these platforms and blocking UK residents from accessing them due to concerns about underage gambling.
