Jump to content

Roobet

From Crypto Gambling Wiki

Roobet is a cryptocurrency-based online casino and sportsbook platform that launched in 2019.[1] It operates under the ownership of Raw Entertainment B.V., a company registered in Curaçao (company number 157205) with an Antillephone license No. 8048/JAZ.[2] Roobet’s platform allows users to gamble using digital currencies (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) on a variety of provably-fair casino games, slots, and sports betting markets. The company positions itself as a next-generation gambling site “for the internet, by the internet,” primarily targeting tech-savvy players worldwide.[3] Its services are available in several regions (notably Canada, Latin America, and parts of Europe) but are not accessible in heavily regulated markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia due to licensing restrictions.[4]

Basic Information

Roobet was co-founded by Matt Duea in 2019, alongside partners experienced in online gambling operations.[5] Duea serves as a key executive—often cited as the CEO or lead co-founder—though the company maintains a relatively low-profile leadership structure.[6] The platform’s parent firm, Raw Entertainment B.V., is based in Willemstad, Curaçao, a common jurisdiction for crypto casinos. Through its Curaçao eGaming license, Roobet is authorized to offer online casino and betting services internationally.[7]

Roobet’s website features over 3,000 casino games, including slots from major providers such as Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming, as well as a suite of original, in-house titles.[8][9] Its proprietary “Crash,” “Mines,” and “Towers” games use provably fair algorithms, enabling players to verify the fairness of each result. In 2022, the platform introduced a full sports betting section, partnering with sportsbook software provider Betby.[10] All deposits and withdrawals occur in cryptocurrency, offering fast transfers and a degree of pseudonymity. However, Roobet enforces Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks and actively blocks VPN access from restricted regions to comply with international anti-money-laundering regulations.[11][12]

History & Development

2019

Roobet was launched in January 2019 as a division of Raw Entertainment B.V., presenting itself as an early adopter of cryptocurrency in online gambling.[13] The company initially branded itself as “The Honest Online Casino,” emphasizing provably fair gaming.[14] Roobet gained an early following among crypto enthusiasts by offering high-risk/high-reward games such as Crash and Dice—formats influenced by blockchain gambling trends like bustabit. The co-founders, including Matt Duea, emphasized cultivating community features, such as chat interaction and social media engagement, setting Roobet apart from traditional online casinos.

2020

In its first full year of operations, Roobet expanded rapidly during the 2020 cryptocurrency market boom. It added hundreds of mainstream casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.) from established iGaming studios. During this period, the platform launched aggressive affiliate and influencer marketing campaigns. Industry observers reported changes in Roobet’s ownership structure or new investments in 2020, coinciding with a rebranding from “The Honest Online Casino” to “Crypto’s Fastest Growing Casino.”[15]

2021

By 2021, Roobet had become a recognized name in crypto gambling, competing with larger brands like Stake. The company heavily utilized Twitch and YouTube sponsorships, partnering with gambling streamers to showcase high-stakes sessions on the site. Notably, Canadian streamer Xposed (Cody Burnett) was an early Roobet ambassador, though he departed mid-2021 and later returned in 2024 under a renewed deal.[16] Roobet faced criticism during this time for allegedly funding some streamers’ accounts with “fake” money to generate entertainment content and highlight large wins.[17] Despite the controversy, Roobet’s user base continued to grow, reportedly surpassing one billion wagers by late 2021.

2022

In early 2022, Roobet broadened its services by integrating a sportsbook via a partnership with Betby and Slotegrator, offering wagers on traditional sports and esports.[18] It also hosted the inaugural Roobet Cup for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, featuring a $250,000 prize pool and attracting considerable esports viewership. However, that same year, mounting public pressure around unregulated crypto-gambling led Twitch to ban streaming of certain offshore gambling websites, including Roobet.[19] Additionally, Roobet’s sponsorship with Danish esports team Astralis ended abruptly after only a few days when Astralis discovered Roobet was not legally permitted to operate or advertise in Denmark.[20] Despite these setbacks, Roobet continued to grow in other regions and reported handling billions of wagers globally.

2023

Roobet made international headlines in March 2023 by signing a partnership with the American rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg, appointing him as “Chief Ganjaroo Officer.”[21][22] The collaboration included promotional campaigns and a $420,000 giveaway tied to the 4/20 date, leveraging Snoop Dogg’s persona.[23] Roobet also introduced “Snoop’s HotBox,” a reskinned version of its Crash game. Another Roobet Cup was held in late 2023 for Counter-Strike 2. By the end of that year, the platform claimed over 3 billion wagers placed since launch and widespread social media content featuring its brand.

2024

In March 2024, streamer Xposed rejoined Roobet after two years with a competing casino, announcing that he would gamble with his own money under a new sponsorship structure.[24][25] This arrangement appeared to address past allegations about “fake bets.” Meanwhile, Curaçao passed major reforms to its online gambling laws, requiring all licensees, including Roobet, to comply with more stringent KYC/AML controls and re-register under a new licensing framework in 2025.[26] As of early 2025, Roobet remains a key player in crypto gambling, with industry observers watching closely how it adapts to tighter regulatory standards.

Controversies & Regulatory Issues

Jurisdictional Restrictions & Evasion

Roobet is banned in multiple countries due to its lack of local operating licenses, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.[27][28] Officially, the site blocks IP addresses and disallows VPN use, with violators facing potential account closure and forfeiture of funds. In Denmark, Roobet’s short-lived sponsorship with Astralis ended due to legal complications once Astralis recognized Roobet lacked Danish licensing.[29]

Twitch Gambling Ban

In September 2022, Twitch responded to public concern over unregulated crypto casinos by banning streaming of several offshore gambling sites, including Roobet.[30] The ban took effect on October 18, 2022, cutting off Roobet’s most visible marketing channel. Influencers under contract with Roobet migrated to alternative streaming platforms such as Kick and YouTube.

Influencer Marketing Ethics

Roobet has been criticized for its aggressive influencer marketing tactics. Reports emerged that some Roobet-sponsored streamers gambled with house-provided funds they could not cash out, creating misleading content around “huge wins.”[31] The streamer Xposed was alleged to be among those receiving non-withdrawable bankrolls, though he claimed to keep a percentage of winnings; the exact financial terms were never confirmed.[32] Roobet did not publicly address specific allegations, but by 2023–24 the company altered its influencer deals to address concerns about transparency and authenticity.

SteveWillDoIt Scandal

A high-profile controversy involved influencer Stephen Deleonardis (SteveWillDoIt) of the Nelk Boys, who promoted Roobet in 2020–2021. Investigative YouTuber Coffeezilla alleged that a benefactor nicknamed “Alan” bankrolled SteveWillDoIt’s giveaways and Roobet gambling content, raising questions about undisclosed sponsorships and revenue sharing.[33][34] In late 2021, SteveWillDoIt deleted all videos from his gambling channel and threatened legal action against Coffeezilla for his series “Roobet’s House of Cards.”[35] Roobet did not issue a formal statement on the matter, but the scandal drew mainstream attention to offshore crypto casinos’ influencer practices.

User Complaints and Payout Disputes

Roobet has received user complaints about alleged unfair account closures and delayed or denied payouts. A notable incident in 2023 involved a player from New Zealand who reportedly won 131.24 BTC (around $3.6 million) on Roobet’s Crash game.[36] Roobet accused the player of cheating and froze the account. Critics argued that Crash’s provably fair nature should make such cheating impossible. The dispute was never resolved publicly, contributing to lingering questions about the casino’s handling of large wins.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Roobet’s reliance on cryptocurrency and Curaçao licensing has drawn scrutiny from regulators concerned about anti-money-laundering enforcement, particularly in countries that do not recognize Curaçao eGaming licenses. Australia’s ACMA, for instance, actively blocks offshore casinos, including Roobet, from operating in the country.[37] Financial and gambling authorities in Ontario, Canada, and parts of Europe have issued advisories against unlicensed crypto gambling sites, further challenging Roobet’s expansion. Under Curaçao’s new licensing reforms (slated for 2025), Roobet will face stricter compliance demands in areas such as KYC/AML and responsible gambling.[38]

Anecdotes & Notable Events

  • The Kangaroo & the Rapper: In 2023, Roobet appointed Snoop Dogg as “Chief Ganjaroo Officer,” an unusual celebrity partnership referencing the casino’s kangaroo mascot and Snoop’s cannabis persona.[39] Snoop helped promote the “Snoop’s HotBox” Crash game variant and participated in a 4/20-themed giveaway, generating significant attention on social media.[40]
  • Roobet Cup – Bridging Esports and Gambling: In 2022, Roobet launched the Roobet Cup, an online CS:GO tournament with a $250,000 prize pool. The event returned in 2023 for Counter-Strike 2. These tournaments attracted substantial esports interest and helped Roobet expand its brand presence beyond traditional casino advertising.
  • Massive Wins and Myths: Anecdotes of large wins—such as a player allegedly winning 131 BTC on Crash—have circulated in the Roobet community, often accompanied by disputes over whether Roobet pays out these large prizes in full. Roobet also runs its own site-specific jackpot events like the “King Roo” bonus feature, feeding into a lore of big multipliers and viral highlight clips on social media.
  • Influencer Drama: Roobet’s partnerships with Twitch and YouTube personalities have sparked various controversies. Aside from the SteveWillDoIt affair, streamers such as Adin Ross and Logan Paul have casually shown or referenced Roobet in their content, fueling discussions about undisclosed sponsorships and the ethical lines of promoting gambling to young audiences.
  • “For the Internet, by the Internet”: Roobet leans heavily into internet culture, using memes, NFT experiments, TikTok challenges, and community contests to cultivate its user base. This approach, which differs from traditional casino marketing, has led to strong brand recognition among younger gamblers.

Market Position & Unique Features

Roobet is regarded as one of the leading crypto-native casinos, competing with platforms like Stake.com, BC.Game, and BitStarz. Several factors shape its position:

  • Crypto-Only Model: Roobet accepts only digital currency deposits and withdrawals, appealing to users who prefer the speed and pseudonymity of cryptocurrency transactions. Roobet’s in-house “provably fair” games rely on cryptographic hashes to verify results, positioning it as a more transparent alternative to traditional online casinos.
  • Youthful, Community-Driven Brand: The platform targets Gen Z and Millennial gamblers through social features (chat rooms, community leaderboards, tipping). Its playful kangaroo mascot, casual language, and meme-inspired promotions differentiate it from more conservative casino brands.
  • Aggressive Social Media & Influencer Strategy: Roobet built its user base largely through partnerships with streamers and viral social content. By 2023, content labeled “Roobet” garnered hundreds of millions of views across TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms. This approach has faced regulatory pushback (such as Twitch’s 2022 gambling ban) but remains a major driver of Roobet’s visibility.
  • Game Portfolio and Original Content: Roobet hosts thousands of titles from leading providers while also offering original games like Crash, Mines, Towers, and Dice. These simple, arcade-style betting products have become synonymous with crypto-gambling. Roobet further enhances user retention by running special tournaments, challenges, and exclusive “branded” variants (e.g., Snoop Dogg’s Crash edition).
  • Partnerships and Sponsorships: Roobet frequently sponsors esports events and digital entertainment projects, aligning with internet-focused demographics. Its collaboration with Snoop Dogg exemplifies the brand’s willingness to incorporate mainstream celebrity culture into crypto gambling.
  • Competitive Landscape: Roobet’s closest rival, Stake.com, is larger in terms of handle and has signed notable figures like Drake. Still, Roobet’s unique brand identity has secured it a loyal following. The casino’s VIP program (“RooWards”) also attracts high-volume players with cashback and incentives.

Recent Developments

  • Return of Xposed (2024): In March 2024, prominent gambling streamer Xposed rejoined Roobet under a new deal in which he claimed to bet his own money, mitigating past controversies about undisclosed “house funds.”[41]
  • Regulatory Overhaul in Curaçao (Late 2024): A new law (the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, or LOK) aims to strengthen Curaçao’s licensing oversight and AML measures. Roobet must reapply for a license by 2025 under stricter standards, potentially impacting its acceptance of certain markets.[42]
  • Expansion and Localization: Roobet added more language options (e.g., Portuguese, French) to target growth in Latin America and parts of Europe. It continues to operate largely under its offshore model, though no formal regional licensing acquisitions have been confirmed as of early 2025.
  • Product Updates: In 2023–24, the site upgraded its mobile interface, expanded its sportsbook for live betting on niche sports, and experimented with new predictive betting formats (e.g., wagers on reality TV outcomes). Rumors persist that Roobet might issue a proprietary cryptocurrency or rewards token, mirroring competitor strategies.
  • Security and Trust Measures: Roobet introduced mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) and published periodic “provably fair reports” detailing its random-seed generation, reflecting a move toward greater transparency and player protection.

References

  1. https://decrypt.co/122434/snoop-dogg-joins-crypto-casino-roobet-as-chief-ganjaroo-officer#:~:text=Launched%20in%202019%20as%20a,select%20markets%E2%80%94excluding%20the%20United%20States
  2. https://www.sistersite.co.uk/roo-bet/#:~:text=Roobet%20sister%20sites%20,157205%20and%20licence%20number%208048%2FJAZ
  3. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/roobet-and-snoop-dogg-announce-420-000-giveaway-to-celebrate-4-20-879614924.html#:~:text=from%20offline%20to%20online,the%20internet%2C%20by%20the%20internet
  4. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Where%20is%20Roobet%20casino%20legal%3F
  5. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Roobet%20casino%20is%20owned%20by,known%20Roobet%20owner%20and%20founder
  6. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Many%20people%20have%20been%20asking,Roobet%20Net%20Worth%20in%202024
  7. https://www.sistersite.co.uk/roo-bet/#:~:text=Roobet%20sister%20sites%20,157205%20and%20licence%20number%208048%2FJAZ
  8. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Roobet%20is%20an%20online%20casino,games%2C%20and%20live%20dealer%20games
  9. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/roobet-and-snoop-dogg-announce-420-000-giveaway-to-celebrate-4-20-879614924.html#:~:text=from%20offline%20to%20online,the%20internet%2C%20by%20the%20internet
  10. https://igamingfuture.com/betby-grows-sportsbook-reach-with-roobet-partnership/#:~:text=Integrated%20via%20the%20Slotegrator%20platform%2C,as%20a%20major%20growth%20area
  11. https://ordb.co/why-is-roobet-not-allowed-in-the-us-a-complete-answer-for-gamblers/#:~:text=Roobet%20bans%20VPNs%3F
  12. https://ordb.co/why-is-roobet-not-allowed-in-the-us-a-complete-answer-for-gamblers/#:~:text=Roobet%20strictly%20prohibits%20the%20use,restrictions%20using%20a%20VPN
  13. https://decrypt.co/122434/snoop-dogg-joins-crypto-casino-roobet-as-chief-ganjaroo-officer#:~:text=Launched%20in%202019%20as%20a,select%20markets%E2%80%94excluding%20the%20United%20States
  14. https://blog.csgoempire.com/the-problem-with-fake-bets/#:~:text=Ironically%2C%20one%20of%20the%20Roobet,the%20transparency%2C%20and%20they%20started
  15. https://blog.csgoempire.com/the-problem-with-fake-bets/#:~:text=Ironically%2C%20one%20of%20the%20Roobet,the%20transparency%2C%20and%20they%20started
  16. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2024/03/13/xposed-swaps-stake-for-roobet-after-signing-new-deal/#:~:text=Gambling%20streamer%20Xposed%20has%20confirmed,platform%20Kick%20the%20following%20year
  17. https://blog.csgoempire.com/the-problem-with-fake-bets/#:~:text=Roobet%20has%20an%20extremely%20aggressive,which%20they%20receive%20from%20Roobet
  18. https://igamingfuture.com/betby-grows-sportsbook-reach-with-roobet-partnership/#:~:text=Integrated%20via%20the%20Slotegrator%20platform%2C,as%20a%20major%20growth%20area
  19. https://safety.twitch.tv/s/article/Prohibiting-Unsafe-Slots-Roulette-and-Dice-Gambling-Sites#:~:text=Sites%20safety,sites%20as%20we%20move%20forward
  20. https://astralis.gg/post/astralis-terminates-agreement-with-roobet#:~:text=Anders%20H%C3%B8rsholt%2C%20CEO%20Astralis%20A,S
  21. https://decrypt.co/122434/snoop-dogg-joins-crypto-casino-roobet-as-chief-ganjaroo-officer#:~:text=Crypto%20makes%20strange%20bedfellows,with%20music%20icon%20Snoop%20Dogg
  22. https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2023/03/02/66295-crypto-casino-roobet-allies-with-superstar-rapper-snoop-dogg-to-widen-its-reach-into-the-web3-space#:~:text=Entertainment%C2%A0announced%20they%20will%20be%20partnering,eye%20for%20the%20crypto%20frontier
  23. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/roobet-and-snoop-dogg-announce-420-000-giveaway-to-celebrate-4-20-879614924.html#:~:text=And%20Roobet%20doesn%27t%20shy%20away,top%20style
  24. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2024/03/13/xposed-swaps-stake-for-roobet-after-signing-new-deal/#:~:text=Gambling%20streamer%20Xposed%20has%20confirmed,platform%20Kick%20the%20following%20year
  25. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2024/03/13/xposed-swaps-stake-for-roobet-after-signing-new-deal/#:~:text=As%20for%20his%20new%20partnership%2C,and%20the%20biggest%20multiplier%20wins
  26. https://www.casinoreviews.net/news/curacao-revamps-online-gambling-laws-in-landmark-reform/#:~:text=Approval%20of%20the%20National%20Ordinance,for%20Games%20of%20Chance
  27. https://ordb.co/why-is-roobet-not-allowed-in-the-us-a-complete-answer-for-gamblers/#:~:text=Roobet%20bans%20VPNs%3F
  28. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Where%20is%20Roobet%20casino%20legal%3F
  29. https://astralis.gg/post/astralis-terminates-agreement-with-roobet#:~:text=Anders%20H%C3%B8rsholt%2C%20CEO%20Astralis%20A,S
  30. https://safety.twitch.tv/s/article/Prohibiting-Unsafe-Slots-Roulette-and-Dice-Gambling-Sites#:~:text=Sites%20safety,sites%20as%20we%20move%20forward
  31. https://blog.csgoempire.com/the-problem-with-fake-bets/#:~:text=Roobet%20has%20an%20extremely%20aggressive,which%20they%20receive%20from%20Roobet
  32. https://blog.csgoempire.com/the-problem-with-fake-bets/#:~:text=Xposed%20claims%20that%20he%27s%20,to%20the%20chat
  33. https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/coffeezilla-claims-stevewilldoit-wants-to-sue-him-over-roobet-youtube-series-2866217/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20investigative%20YouTuber,platform%20Roobet%20and%20his%20involvement
  34. https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/nelk-boys-stevewilldoit-wipes-gambling-channel-after-accusations-from-coffeezilla-1670406/#:~:text=streamer%20and%20YouTuber%20Adin%20Ross%2C,starts%2013%3A00%20for%20mobile%20users
  35. https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/coffeezilla-claims-stevewilldoit-wants-to-sue-him-over-roobet-youtube-series-2866217/#:~:text=Allegedly%20sent%20on%20April%2023%2C,%E2%80%9D
  36. https://casino.guru/roobet-casino-player-s-winnings-confiscated-due-to#:~:text=The%20player%20from%20New%20Zealand,to%20the%20game%27s%20security%20measures
  37. https://silentbet.com/roobet/owner/#:~:text=Where%20is%20Roobet%20casino%20legal%3F
  38. https://www.casinoreviews.net/news/curacao-revamps-online-gambling-laws-in-landmark-reform/#:~:text=Approval%20of%20the%20National%20Ordinance,for%20Games%20of%20Chance
  39. https://decrypt.co/122434/snoop-dogg-joins-crypto-casino-roobet-as-chief-ganjaroo-officer#:~:text=announced%20today%20a%20partnership%20with,music%20icon%20Snoop%20Dogg
  40. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/roobet-and-snoop-dogg-announce-420-000-giveaway-to-celebrate-4-20-879614924.html#:~:text=in%20required
  41. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2024/03/13/xposed-swaps-stake-for-roobet-after-signing-new-deal/#:~:text=Gambling%20streamer%20Xposed%20has%20confirmed,platform%20Kick%20the%20following%20year
  42. https://www.casinoreviews.net/news/curacao-revamps-online-gambling-laws-in-landmark-reform/#:~:text=Approval%20of%20the%20National%20Ordinance,for%20Games%20of%20Chance