Roblox and Minecraft Accused of Using Mechanics Based on Slot Machine Principles

A lawsuit has been filed in the United States against major gaming companies Roblox, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Mojang, alleging that their products foster addiction among minors through user-retention mechanics, Gambling Insider reported.

The complaint was filed in a federal court in California on behalf of an 18-year-old U.S. resident who began playing video games in childhood. According to court filings, his gaming activity eventually reached up to 16 hours per day, while attempts to restrict access were accompanied by symptoms consistent with gaming addiction.

At the centre of the case is the concept of “addiction by design,” referring to systems intentionally built to maximise user engagement.

The plaintiff alleges that games such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft incorporate behavioural mechanics, including variable rewards, engagement algorithms, and progression systems that encourage prolonged play sessions and in-game spending.

While these titles are not formally classified as gambling, the lawsuit argues that some of these mechanisms are structurally similar to gambling systems. In particular, it highlights loot boxes and other random reward features based on “unpredictable reward” principles widely used in slot machines.

Particular attention in the lawsuit is given to Roblox. The filing states that the platform not only employs such mechanics but also incentivises developers to implement them through its monetisation tools and user retention systems.

Gambling Park notes that an investigation found AI chatbots recommending offshore casinos to self-excluded players.