Why Kids Can’t Quit Roblox
This article explores how the gaming platform Roblox utilizes mechanics similar to gambling to keep children engaged. It highlights the psychological distress and addictive behaviors observed in young users.
Why it matters
It raises critical questions about the ethics of game design and the impact of 'loot box' style mechanics on child development.
The mechanics of many games on the platform are nearly identical to those of slot machines and sports-betting apps.
Alisa Gao / The Atlantic July 29, 2026, 8 AM ET Share Save A couple of years ago, Peter Galassi realized that he had a problem: His 9-year-old son was still, somehow, constantly on Roblox, despite the screen-time limits Galassi had set for him. He soon discovered that his son had used his mom’s phone to secretly open multiple accounts on the platform. Why? Because, like a gambler with a fistful of lottery tickets, he wanted to increase his odds in games such as Adopt Me , in which players hatch eggs for a chance to win rare pets.
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