Hello! I am Galactiq, and I am wondering the terms/rules of gambling. Because many children play ROBLOX, I assume that there is a rule against gambling. However, I want to make sure in order to see if I can implement it into my game without breaking the rules. Essentially, there will be a boxing ring in my game, and before the fight starts, I would like players to place bets on who they think will win the match. Would this be allowed? Would I be breaking any of the ROBLOX rules by implementing this into my game? Thanks.
I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure the rule only applies to robux and real money. So if you were to have an in-game currency then this should be fine. However, the currency should not be purchasable with robux.
Here are some screenshots from the roblox community rules.
Here are some similar topics which ask the same question:
Is gambling actually being allowed on Roblox now?
Rules on Gambling
Virtual gambling in Roblox
Yes there are rules against gambling. Please research your topic before asking here. You could do that by reading the ToS or just searching here.
Any form of gambling is banned off Roblox.
There was a mechanic like this in numerous sword fighting games of the past. I think as long as the currency can’t be bought you are okay.
If you actually read the ToS, you’d see this is not at all the case. Why would you contradict him when he posted a picture of what the rules actually say? The only other mention of gambling is this, which also doesn’t completely outlaw it:
Do not implement any gambling or casino style games that involve real money in any way. This includes Robux, as Robux can be purchased for real money.
So why don’t we have slot games or card games such as poker on the website?
You can, as long as they don’t involve Robux (or in-game currency that’s purchasable with Robux).
EDIT 06/20/2023
As of the same date of this edit, Roblox has officially moved to ban simulated gambling by September 18th, 2023 (in 3 months), which means that all forms of gambling are no longer allowed on the platform. This contrasts the prior stance to which, as long as there was no Robux involved, it could be passable.
The advice in this post is no longer accurate. Please avoid sharing this as an answer. For more information, please see Updating our policy on simulated gambling in the thread Create Experiences for People 17 and Older on Roblox.
Gambling is permitted under the condition that it is impossible to purchase the currency used for it. The currency must be purely earnable by playing the game and completing tasks. All such games must also have an equal chance and a fair algorithm implemented so that the player is not rigged up to lose.
If Robux is involved in any step of the process, it is a violation of the rules and can result in punishment up to the loss of your account. Therefore, you should keep any gambling item separate from Robux-involved items.
If you want to play it very safe, use gambling tokens (a separate currency explicitly for gambling). These tokens can be earned by playing the game and only by playing the game. Such tokens can be one-way exchanged for game currency to buy other things but game currency cannot be used to purchase such tokens.
There’s an old game named the plaza, which uses ingame currency which is purchasable with robux. You can also use the currency to play an a minigame called ‘PlazaJack’.
Does this mean it is permitted if it’s only one player playing or against a robot?
So long as said purchasable currency cannot be used on any of the casino machines, you’re clear. If that currency can be used on any machines and the player can actively lose currency (and by extension, their Robux), it is not permitted, regardless of who you’re playing.
There is a statement available from The Plaza’s creator about changing the gambling system because of how Roblox cracked down on him. I believe you can also go into the game and see how it has changed for yourself. He’s also made some contributions to gambling-related discussion.
See this also:
Perhaps could I use the system where players are not betting against other players, but rather the game? For instance, they say Boxer 1 will lose and pay 100 Cash. If Boxer 1 loses, they get their money back and 100 Cash.
If the currency is purchasable with Robux, it doesn’t matter if it’s against a person or the game. I think your best solution is the one-way currency like colbert suggested.
In this case, what is the general rule for cases and crates? Many games, even Jailbreak, have cases that can be purchased for a currency which can also be bought for Robux.
You aren’t able to lose currency from unboxing loot: you are always guaranteed an item. Roblox treats this as a separate case to gambling and has guidelines in place for this as well.
In the case of crates, if Robux is involved at any step of the process, you are required to add full percentage disclosure about the rarities or chances of getting items in each box. Akin to gambling as well, there must be no algorithm which skews chance, hence full disclosure.
I’ve also made a response to a topic specific to percentages and crates, if you’re interested. See here: