Authorities in the Philippines are stepping up investigations into criminal activity facilitated through online gaming platforms, including Roblox.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group has been instructed by PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who emphasized that platforms like Roblox are being used to target young children.

He stated: “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.”

The PNP plans to work closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) to support its investigations.

According to Roblox, the platform has over 111 million daily users, with approximately 40% under the age of 13.

The game has repeatedly attracted public attention, as experts have warned that randomized rewards, loot box-style prizes, and the use of in-game currency resemble gambling mechanisms.

Roblox’s Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) state that while gambling-related content is allowed on the platform, actual gambling is prohibited.

However, last year, the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) published a report expressing concern over third-party websites where Roblox’s in-game currency, Robux, can be used for bets and winnings in gambling and casino games.

The DGA stated: “The computer game Roblox is particularly popular among children and young people under the age of 18. Therefore, Robux betting can be a problem because it also means that many young people under the age of 18 can access gambling via Robux betting.

“On almost all illegal Robux betting websites, the Roblox login can be used for access. This is problematic as the Roblox login is associated with the legal gaming platform and communicates easier access for young people in particular, to participate in gambling.”

 

 

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