Children Expose the Dark Side of Roblox: Gambling in Disguise?

Are you shocked to learn your child’s favorite game may hide gambling-like tactics? New research reveals how young players feel tricked by chance-based monetization strategies in Roblox. You want to keep gaming fun and safe, while protecting your loved ones from manipulative designs. Read on to discover the hidden pitfalls and learn how to safeguard your family’s digital experience.

A recent study from the University of Sydney reveals that children perceive certain monetization features in Roblox as akin to gambling, raising concerns about the platform’s impact on young users.

Roblox’s In-Game Features Resemble Gambling, Study Finds​

Key Points:

• Children struggle with complex virtual currencies, leading to unintentional overspending.
• Random reward mechanics evoke feelings of being misled or deceived among young players.​
• Roblox’s monetization strategies may exploit children’s vulnerabilities, necessitating regulatory intervention.​

Children around the world are drawn to Roblox. They enjoy its social features and diverse game experiences. However, new research reveals that many young players feel cheated by the platform’s monetization tactics. These are not small complaints. Instead, children describe the experience as “literally child gambling.”

The study, titled “They’re Scamming Me: How Children Experience and Conceptualise Harm in Game Monetisation,” involved 22 Australian children and their parents. Researchers uncovered a unique child-focused perspective. Usually, adult voices dominate discussions about overspending or addiction. Yet children point to something different. They sense manipulative game design that leaves them feeling misled.

Many of these deceptive elements revolve around random reward mechanisms (RRMs). These include loot boxes or “spin-the-wheel” features. Children often lack the full cognitive ability to grasp statistical risk. That makes them more likely to feel scammed. Even when they understand odds, they rarely comprehend the long-term financial impact.

Roblox stands out as a frequent offender. In the study, 82% of participants reported regular Roblox use. This is not surprising, given the platform’s huge global reach and its popularity with younger audiences. Roblox promises players a space to create and share experiences. In reality, many children end up frustrated by disappearing items, unexpected removals, and hidden costs.

For instance, one child purchased a special wallpaper in Roblox. After completing the purchase, the wallpaper was missing. Others lost items when user-created content was removed or delisted. With no clear refund process, children felt scammed. Some ended up buying more Robux to replace lost items. This practice only deepened their sense of betrayal.

Virtual currencies like Robux or Fortnite’s V-Bucks create further confusion. Children have trouble translating these currencies into real-world costs. They face leftover balances that prompt more purchases. Researchers call this design manipulative. It encourages repeat spending while obscuring actual expenses.

Another point of frustration is scamming by other players. Trading systems often lack firm safeguards. When children lose rare items, platform moderators rarely offer replacements. This shifts responsibility onto young players. They must avoid scams with little help from developers.

Subscription models add to the complexity. These include battle passes and premium memberships. Children feel pressured to play often to justify monthly fees. While they appreciate exclusive in-game rewards, they question the overall value. Parents worry about racking up large bills for features that vanish if subscriptions lapse.

Researchers recommend several design changes. First, they urge developers to remove monetized RRMs. They argue children simply cannot grasp gambling odds. Second, they call for child-friendly refunds. If an item fails to match expectations, developers should provide a quick resolution. Third, games should preserve children’s purchases or offer compensation for removed items. Lastly, researchers advise making virtual currency systems more transparent and flexible. That way, children clearly see the real cost of every purchase.

Roblox has a vast user base, with around 42% under age 13. This makes responsible design critical for young audiences. Although the study focuses on Australian children, it highlights universal issues. Wherever children play online, design-driven harm remains a risk.

Regulatory bodies are also taking notice. Several countries debate whether loot boxes amount to gambling. These conversations often ignore children’s perspectives. Yet this research shows that kids themselves sense gambling-like risks. They recognize unfair mechanics, yet they lack the power to fix them.

Game developers can embrace these insights. By prioritizing transparent designs, they can foster trust. Families will appreciate games that protect young players from deceptive tactics. Meanwhile, thoughtful regulations can reshape the industry’s approach to monetization. As the lines between gaming and gambling blur, it’s time to listen to children.

​Roblox Faces Scrutiny Over Child Safety and Monetization Practices