[NEWS]Roblox targeted in the Philippines for resembling gambling

[acroman08]

Roblox is under investigation in the Philippines for having games similar to gambling. Just so people know, this isn't the first time Roblox has come under investigation because of games that resemble gambling. I remember discussions about it in the past where it talks about people filing a complaint that there are games inside Roblox that are basically a casino, where players can gamble. The main concern people have about this is that the majority of Roblox players are underage, and they are being exposed to gambling and possibly getting exploited, too.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Chief General, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to improve efforts and investigations into criminal activity conducted in online gaming apps like Roblox.

The Philippine National Police has announced plans to work with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) to better target the crimes.

Nartatez Jr. stressed:

“Our mandate of serving and protecting the people now encompasses cyberspace to keep them safe, especially for children. The PNP is coordinating with other agencies to investigate the extent to which Roblox may be used for possible crimes, including sexual predation, grooming, and exploitation of minors.”

Roblox data shows that the game has 111 million daily users, of which around 40% are under the age of 13. The game’s Terms and Conditions state that gambling content is allowed on the platform, but actual gambling isn’t permitted.

However, the game has been under investigation for some time now, as authorities have found that it offers randomized rewards as well as loot box-style prizes and uses in-game currencies that are similar to gambling mechanisms.

The concerns increased after the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) found in 2025 that Roblox’s in-game currency, Robux, can be used as a deposit in betting and casino games by third-party websites.

[aioc]

The Philippine government is going to ban Roblox on April 3, and the Roblox execs are going to the Philippines to have a dialogue with local authorities, but there is news that they will still continue to ban it

I am telling them right now that everything they are implementing, all their safeguards, are not enough… So if they are just coming here to explain, they shouldn’t even bother coming

https://bitpinas.com/fintech/roblox-responds/

Parents are complaining that Roblox games take up too much of their children's time, causing them to neglect their studies, become disobedient, and spend their allowance on the game. It's good that the government is taking a firm stand on banning Roblox because it's not a simple game anymore, it resembles gambling

[nimogsm]

Well, we can see that the authorities of many countries have finally woken up and started noticing the obvious. First, they became interested in Steam, now Roblox, and both platforms have user bases numbering tens of millions, and a significant percentage are minors. These are completely logical steps from the authorities.

[blomen]

in my country, turkey, roblox has been blocked for over a year. i’ve heard there are dozens of pieces of content on roblox that could negatively influence young children, and since the user base is so young, i’m not sure how appropriate it is for them to be in a completely unrestricted digital environment. gambling, bad habits, and dozens of other types of content that a child of that age shouldn’t be exposed to can be found on roblox, and this is dangerous. additionally, i don’t think it’s a good idea for these children to be able to communicate directly with adults.

i don’t know if there is actually gambling on roblox, but children are likely exposed to all sorts of things that resemble gambling. i don’t blame countries that want to take precautions.

[aylabadia05]

In addition to the gambling-related elements present in the game, Roblox—if left unchecked—can have a significant impact on players. I’ve also heard reports that in another Asian country, Roblox will be restricted for players who are not yet of age to play, particularly children under 18.
Minors take the game very seriously, and the consequences can be severe, especially when it leads to practices like gambling.

[robelneo]

If there are Roblox critics, there are also Roblox defenders. I don't believe that Roblox is a game of creativity because it's addictive, and it exposes children to things that they shouldn't be exposed to at their age. I have nephews and nieces who have spent hours on that platform, neglecting their household chores and studies.
I don't know much about Roblox, but I read that you need to purchase it to upgrade so you can create more. I think the disadvantages are far greater than the advantages.

Local creators have also reached out to BitPinas to voice their concerns. A Filipino Roblox creator, argued that the platform is “more than just a game” and serves as a vital tool to create, learn, and earn. “Banning the platform would not only remove risks, but also remove opportunities, creativity, and motivation for many innocent players and creators,” he urged.

[Porfirii]

This is not the first time I hear similar news, but I think that it is about Roblox. All these loot boxes in video games share many characteristics of gambling, and while in the past it was more difficult to involve money and therefore it wasn't considered gambling, with an increasing number of mechanisms (in-app purchases, the ability to exchange items between players that can be sold for crypto out of the game, etc) the boundaries are more and more blurred.

A bit off-topic, but related with gambling resemblance: Yesterday I went to a mall and I saw a very colourful machine, and when I got closer I realised that it was a trading card vending machine. Initially there is nothing bad with selling trading cards, and kids usually buy them. But in the machine, there was a display where appeared the price at which some very valuable cards were sold in auctions (up to 5k euros). Doesn't it convert that machine in some kind of gambling machine (where children can play)?

As I said, boundaries are blurring, and while I am for the innovation and freedom, children are highly vulnerable and should be protected.

[coin-investor]

The Philippine government did the right thing, and they are just following the lead of other countries that banned Roblox because of child exploitation and abuse.

There are 14 countries that have banned Roblox, and the Philippines and Indonesia could become the 15th and 16th, respectively. All these countries that have banned Roblox have the same concern: a lack of protection for minors and exposing them to abuse.

Roblox is so popular here in the Philippines that Roblox executives are now heading to the Philippines for a talk to continue their operation, but I doubt the Philippine authorities will yield.

[Fiatless]

Parents are complaining that Roblox games take up too much of their children's time, causing them to neglect their studies, become disobedient, and spend their allowance on the game. It's good that the government is taking a firm stand on banning Roblox because it's not a simple game anymore, it resembles gambling

I support the government in taking necessary actions if the investigation proves that there are games that expose children to gambling in Roblox. Children need to be protected from such games so that they will not be addicted which could affect their studies and other endeavours.

But parents have the responsibility to monitor their children to ensure that they are not carried away or distracted by these games. Transferring this responsibility to the government or game developers is improper.

[danherbias07]

It will be difficult to ban Roblox as a whole because there are so many game developers that create a game and injected on that application.

My kids are playing this game, and I have learned a lot more about it since I started joining them. Also, from the Roblox streamers who are giving information while they are doing their streams. There are games inside that are really meant for kids. But since there are also a lot of adult players, some developers are creating a game that might be meant for adults only.
I have not seen a gambling game, but if they are talking about the Robux (in-game currency), then it's up to the parents if they will buy their kids or not. I don't buy my kids that stuff. I told them it's a waste of money.

[EluguHcman]

Roblox data shows that the game has 111 million daily users, of which around 40% are under the age of 13. The game’s Terms and Conditions state that gambling content is allowed on the platform, but actual gambling isn’t permitted.

Looking at the whole thing I don't even see how believable it could be that this Roblox platform can actually have to welcome gambling contents but does not support users betting enabling even while they features gambling games.

They federal government also has the mandate to invest the platform considering its possibilities of hidden agendas.
Sometimes they might be genuine too while the agencies are just laying the falsely enforcements on the platform probably because they don't pay a required task that should be fetching them (government) money since they claims tbat they don't allow gambling.

[Smartprofit]

In my country, the government has already introduced "whitelists" for mobile internet use. What are "whitelists"? They're a list of approved websites that can be accessed while using the mobile internet. "Whitelists" are impossible to bypass, even with a VPN.🙋

The need for "whitelists" in my country is also justified by security concerns. Under the guise of ensuring security, everyone can be locked in a digital cage. We think our governments are concerned about the safety of children, but in reality, they're building a digital concentration camp for adults.

One ban, then a second ban, then another... This is how people lose their rights, freedom, and independence. And in my opinion, this isn't about Roblox or gambling. There's nothing wrong with gambling. Yes, adults need to explain to children the dangers of gambling addiction (no one argues with that).

However, we must not forget the words of one famous person (I think it was Churchill who said them): "Those who give up their freedom for the sake of security, lose both their freedom and their security!"🧑‍⚖️

[AmoreJaz]

It will be difficult to ban Roblox as a whole because there are so many game developers that create a game and injected on that application.

My kids are playing this game, and I have learned a lot more about it since I started joining them. Also, from the Roblox streamers who are giving information while they are doing their streams. There are games inside that are really meant for kids. But since there are also a lot of adult players, some developers are creating a game that might be meant for adults only.
I have not seen a gambling game, but if they are talking about the Robux (in-game currency), then it's up to the parents if they will buy their kids or not. I don't buy my kids that stuff. I told them it's a waste of money.

As there are indeed a lot of younger players in this game, what they can do is block those games with gambling features and make it available to adults only. But how do they restrict it? Because kids can use the account of their older siblings or parents just to use this site. I can understand where the government is coming from as there are so many youngsters on this game. But I would say, for now, parents should do the restriction on this game.

[serjent05]

The Philippine government did the right thing, and they are just following the lead of other countries that banned Roblox because of child exploitation and abuse.

There are 14 countries that have banned Roblox, and the Philippines and Indonesia could become the 15th and 16th, respectively. All these countries that have banned Roblox have the same concern: a lack of protection for minors and exposing them to abuse.

Roblox is so popular here in the Philippines that Roblox executives are now heading to the Philippines for a talk to continue their operation, but I doubt the Philippine authorities will yield.

I am in favor of banning Roblox in the country.  The Roblox owner knows that there are lots of young kids playing the game, but they never censor stuff that is detrimental to the kids.  I am there that the platform encourage creativity but the management must be responsible in filtering these creations.  Any user creation in the platform that can affect children in a negative way must be removed and user must be penalized.  But the developer just let it slide since they earn more money in this kind of creation.

[Akbarkoe]

From what is written, it shows that it is indicated as gambling if it is indeed like it is quite dangerous, especially the large number of users are children, it can have a very big impact on the development of children later and it should not be allowed that things that smell like gambling have been enjoyed by children because it will trigger something that is not wanted at a young age when they really know gambling.
 
The government's move is very good here they are trying to protect their generation by closing these games in their country, but if the game is fair enough and there are definite provisions in the use of money and gacha on prizes maybe it won't be considered an element of gambling right?

[Mindyspace]

From what I understand, Roblox is being investigated because, even without officially allowing gambling, it has several mechanics that resemble gambling.

The biggest problem is that many players are minors, making them more vulnerable, especially with the use of virtual currency outside the platform.

But can they really control all of this, or are they just pretending to have it under control? Because it doesn't always seem to be 100%.

[acroman08]

This is not the first time I hear similar news, but I think that it is about Roblox. All these loot boxes in video games share many characteristics of gambling, and while in the past it was more difficult to involve money and therefore it wasn't considered gambling, with an increasing number of mechanisms (in-app purchases, the ability to exchange items between players that can be sold for crypto out of the game, etc) the boundaries are more and more blurred.
-snip

Yeah, this isn't the first time Roblox faced issues because of gambling related games inside their games. Also, apart from the gambling resemblance, the government in the Philippines is also concerned about the possible exploitation coming from pedophiles, which has also been discussed as an issue about Roblox. So, overall, the ban wasn't just about gambling, but also about the lack of protection children have against pedophiles that are using the game to groom children(source).

[Floxynice]

My major concern is that children are caught up in this whole Roblox saga. This is no longer a casual fun experience for children, this children are being exposed to the outside world which they may not be able to handle. Children are still very innocent and inquisitive, they will try out every game for fun, profits and for curiosity sake. It is the duty of adults to protect them from causing long term damage to themselves. That is why I am in support of the government carrying out the investigation, if anything fishy is found, Roblox should be placed under close monitoring and neccessary action taken against them.

[STT]

Any game or platform that can be adapted and modded is going to be subject to this criticism.   Yes all games are possible like a funfair to build, some will resemble gambling quite possibly.
   Its getting a bit silly with all this regulation, they want to put a hood on and blindfold anyone under 18 because the world is too much for these poor lost souls.   Roblox does let kids spend money on the platform and within the games, I can imagine its easily possible some parts in those games are going to be too much for some strict mindset.
  I would only argue you restrict amounts spendable, the rest is over reach.

[JeffBrad12]

If there are Roblox critics, there are also Roblox defenders. I don't believe that Roblox is a game of creativity because it's addictive, and it exposes children to things that they shouldn't be exposed to at their age. I have nephews and nieces who have spent hours on that platform, neglecting their household chores and studies.
I don't know much about Roblox, but I read that you need to purchase it to upgrade so you can create more. I think the disadvantages are far greater than the advantages.

Local creators have also reached out to BitPinas to voice their concerns. A Filipino Roblox creator, argued that the platform is “more than just a game” and serves as a vital tool to create, learn, and earn. “Banning the platform would not only remove risks, but also remove opportunities, creativity, and motivation for many innocent players and creators,” he urged.

The roblox defenders are mostly kids. So they can do nothing even they get tantrum with the introduction of this ban to their lovely game. The roblox environment is not healthy anymore. Gambling is a correct reason to justify the ban of roblox, but other than it, there are also bunch of pedophiles in the platform, which are also targeting kids who played Roblox.
This game is so damn awful, and it deserves the ban from all of countries with no exception.