What Is Roblox Gambling? A Simple Breakdown for Parents

Roblox is a user-generated online gaming platform made up of millions of developers. It creates games and activities that entice people to participate, spend money, and even gamble. Most Roblox users are children, and many parents do not realize gambling-style activity can occur on the platform. If you are wondering what is Roblox gambling, this guide explains how it works, what counts as Roblox gambling, and why parents and regulators are raising concerns.

What Is Roblox Gambling and How Does It Work?

Roblox gambling refers to gambling-style activities involving Robux, virtual items, skins, or casino-style games connected to Roblox accounts. What counts as Roblox gambling can include betting Robux; using skins as gambling tokens; or participating in roulette, blackjack, coin flip, or slot-style games tied to Roblox.

Roblox activities attract children. The site’s 3D digital world looks something like a cross between a video game and a casino. Some activities are fun and free.

What counts as Roblox gambling is when children purchase Roblox’s digital currency called Robux. They can bet using Robux in casino-type games. These games are primarily offered by gambling websites that connect to Roblox users through the Roblox platform.

These systems resemble traditional gambling because, in many cases, they are. Sites offer card games like blackjack, luck games, roulette, and more.

Many parents assume Roblox gambling only refers to traditional casino games. In reality, what counts as Roblox gambling can also include skin betting, loot-style systems, virtual and item wagering.

The result is that children are gambling. And that is illegal. Weitz & Luxenberg has filed a lawsuit to try and stop child gambling through Roblox.

How Are Robux and Virtual Items Used in Roblox Gambling?

Robux isn’t real money but must be purchased with real money. To participate in most Roblox experiences, users must buy Robux.

Minors are redirected to online gambling websites through the Roblox platform. Young people can use their Robux on these virtual games of chance in virtual casinos.

Children who are redirected to gambling sites can place bets. They can gamble and lose real money. And when they run out of Robux to place bets, they can buy more Robux on the Roblox platform.

Virtual Items Allow Kids to Play Make Believe

Roblox isn’t just a place where kids can play games. It’s a virtual reality where kids can decide how they want their avatar to look. Avatars are graphic representations of who kids want to be online. Children can choose their “skins.” Skins change the look of the avatar. Skins are the clothes, the accessories, the virtual weapons, and other cosmetic changes that give avatars their one-of-a-kind appearance. ⁽¹⁾

In Roblox virtual reality, teens and children can choose all kinds of accessories they couldn’t choose in real life. However, skins cost money. In Roblox world, some accessories cost more than others. Some items are incredibly rare and cost hundreds of dollars. ^{(2) (3)}

When something becomes high demand, it’s worth more. When an item goes out of stock, it might be worth more. Because these accessories aren’t real, they shouldn’t be scarce, but the platform can create false scarcity. Kids get caught up in the idea that they have to act fast before something is gone. Or they may feel like they’ve gained a huge advantage or achieved a big win because they nabbed a skin before anyone else could get it. They can get swept up in this same mindset when trading some virtual items on Roblox using Roblox premium. ⁽⁴⁾

Virtual items can also function like gambling tokens. On Roblox, skins can be traded up for chips. Also, like gambling chips, skins don’t have any value outside of Roblox world. However, in Roblox world, virtual items do have value. And, third-party websites are more than happy to accept bets that represent value. Children can bet with skins and, ultimately, lose money. ⁽⁵⁾

Where Does Roblox Gambling Happen?

Children can engage in Roblox gambling by visiting gambling websites. They have to link their Robux wallet from Roblox to the third-party website. That site converts children’s Robux into credits. Those credits can only be used on that website’s virtual casinos.

If a child happens to win on that website, their total credits increase. Children can cash these out for Robux to use on the Roblox platform. More often than not, the child loses. Children lose their credits just as gamblers at casinos lose chips.

Why Roblox Gambling Raises Concerns for Parents

Roblox knows most of its users are children. Child advocacy and consumer protection groups are concerned because Roblox specifically targets children by using deceptive advertising.

Roblox is not limited to children. Roblox doesn’t protect children. Anyone can access this site. Children may fall prey to possible predatory conduct by adults. Children can be exposed to simulated sex, sexual assault including rape, and other forms of violence. ⁽⁶⁾

Roblox exposes minors to activities involving gambling behavior. The company says its site does not include any form of simulated gambling, betting, or exchanging real money or Robux. However, real money can absolutely be tied to Robux and virtual items.

How Can Parents Protect Children from Roblox Gambling?

There are ways parents can protect their children who use Roblox: ^{(7) (8)}

• Talk with your children about gambling risks in online games in general. Roblox is just one website that can attract children to gambling activities.
• Enable your parental controls and account protections. For example, you can make sure your children sign up with their real age and birth date. Some activities are suggested as safe for under 13 years of age. Some are recommended for older children. You also can control your children’s spending limits and block particular games.
• Review Roblox spending and purchase history. To participate in Roblox activities, children often need to spend money, probably yours if they’re using a credit card. You can review your credit card statements and keep an eye on things.

Resources for Parents Concerned About Online Gaming and Gambling

Resources are available for parents who are worried about their children gaming and gambling online. These include:

• Common Sense Media: This nonprofit aims to put children’s overall safety and well-being first. They rate all kinds of media including social media, movies, and online gaming. You can check out sites your children are interested in before they use them. ⁽⁹⁾
• Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice: This group provides tips for parents to keep their kids safe online. You can also find out how to use your parental controls to protect your children. Their website provides customer alerts and tips on how to help your kids protect their devices. ⁽¹⁰⁾
• Family Online Safety Institute: This international, nonprofit organization offers a variety of resources to help parents navigate the digital, online world with their children. Resources include tips for good digital parenting, a digital reputation checklist, safety cards for electronic devices, and a safety agreement for parents and children 13 years of age and younger. ⁽¹¹⁾

Weitz & Luxenberg is also a resource for parents harmed by Roblox gambling. We have filed a lawsuit against Roblox and popular third-party Robux gambling websites, including Bloxflip, RBXFlip, and RBLXWild for the harm they have caused children and families.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help Families Affected by Roblox Gambling

This blog answered the question, “What is Roblox gambling?” Roblox is a massively popular online gaming platform used by millions of children and teens. While many parents view Roblox as harmless entertainment, some third-party websites and gambling-style systems connected to Roblox may expose minors to illegal gambling behavior involving Robux, virtual items, and casino-style games. In some cases, children may also encounter inappropriate sexual or violent content while using the platform.

Weitz & Luxenberg can help families affected by Roblox gambling. We have already filed a lawsuit against Roblox and other negligent companies. You may be able to join our ongoing litigation.

Since the 1980s, Weitz & Luxenberg has helped thousands of families make informed, strategic choices. We have also secured billions of dollars on behalf of families harmed by the actions of large companies. We are here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Roblox Gambling Websites Separate From Roblox?

No, not really. Roblox always hosts any gambling that takes place. The gambling requires Robux. Roblox always makes money from gambling websites.

What Are the Warning Signs That a Child May Be Using Roblox Gambling Sites?

Three key warning signs your child may be using a Roblox gambling site include mood changes, financial changes, and changes in your child’s relationships to others. Your children might be staying up late to use Roblox, skipping meals, or not looking after themselves and their responsibilities. Maybe they’re having a hard time in school or showing signs of depression or anxiety. If they’ve become obsessed with Roblox, they may stop participating in extracurricular activities or hobbies they used to enjoy. They may also disengage from their friends. ⁽¹²⁾