The return of BloxFlip, an off-platform Robux gambling site, is likely to spark outrage as the accessibility of unlicensed operators is dragged under the microscope once again.
Last year, Roblox garnered unwanted mainstream attention over Sky News allegations of avenues for underage players to access unlicensed casinos. Players were able to sign in to off-platform sites with Roblox credentials.
The Sky News report prompted the removal and closure of a myriad of websites amidst an urgent investigation from the Gambling Commission.
This included BloxFlip, which at one stage was the largest gambling platform related to the Roblox game. Bloxgame was formed by the same group in its place, however, it failed to reach the heights of BloxFlip.
At the time, a co-owner of Boxlip stated in a chatroom: “The legal team representing Roblox has begun to apply pressure compelling us to close our platform.”
Roblox has once again sparked outrage, though, after Sky News revealed that BloxFlip is reportedly returning following an acquisition by new owners, stating that it will operate as it did before with new gameplay features.
The site is also advertising the same types of games as it did previously, including Mines, Crash, Plinko, Cases, Blackjack and Slots.
Roblox emphasised to Sky News that it ‘firmly prohibits all simulated and actual gambling activities on our platform, and players are prohibited from engaging in off-platform secondary-market transactions for Roblox items or Robux’.
It added: “Websites like these are in no way endorsed or authorised by Roblox and we take numerous steps to disrupt their activity, taking action against associated accounts as well as filtering out references to these sites across our platform.
“The majority of the sites identified are not currently available in the UK, and in some cases their websites indicate they are in the process of ceasing operations,” said a spokesperson for the company.
“We will continue to pursue the owners and operators of unauthorised sites, and stand ready to support law enforcement or the UK Gambling Commission in their efforts to have web hosting providers shut sites like these down.”
Roblox is somewhat limited in what it can do to fully thwart the sites tapping into its audience, requiring the help of not just the Commission but also social media and big tech platforms if it is to have success.
The return of the Robux gambling platform is likely to aggravate the hotbed of discussion around whether more can be done to tackle the surge of unlicensed casinos engaging with younger audiences.
One such avenue is through streaming platforms such as YouTube, Discord and Kick, all of which have a strong Roblox community, potentially making them vulnerable to being exploited for the engagement of a younger audience.
The UK is currently shifting its focus on digital engagement of a younger generation, with an iGaming Expert piece warning that as Prime Minister Keir Starmer relentlessly pursues a social media ban for under-16s, their risk elevates when it comes to other harmful sites that promote unlicensed betting sites.
It underpins the importance of a wider strategy for digital prohibition in the age of a new landscape for platforms and streamers.
The banning of social media platforms for under-16s won’t prompt a younger generation to suddenly go outside and play tag like it is the 90s, their attention will remain dangerously up for grabs in the online ecosystem.
Government and policymakers should be vigilant of the predatory sites that could well seize the opportunity to capture this newly freed-up attention. Because when opportunity knocks, no matter how immoral, the black market will pounce, and the return of Bloxflip is just another example.
