In a move aimed at curbing gambling-related risks, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that trading card packs and blind boxes will be subject to new regulations. This decision follows rising concerns about the potential gambling implications of these products, particularly among younger consumers.
What Are Blind Boxes?
Blind boxes are sealed packages where the contents—typically collectible toys, figurines, or trading cards—remain a mystery until opened. The unpredictability of these items can lead to behaviours resembling gambling, raising alarms among social services.
Addressing Gambling Risks
According to MHA, the regulation is designed to mitigate the risk of gambling inducement associated with blind boxes. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam indicated that the MHA and the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) are actively working on the regulatory framework, which will detail how these products may be marketed and sold.
Parliamentary Discussions
This move aligns with parliamentary discussions stemming from a recent question posed by Hougang MP Dennis Tan. He inquired whether the government would consider legislating for mandatory disclosure of odds for blind box products. Minister Shanmugam acknowledged this suggestion as part of the deliberations for the forthcoming regulations.
Speculation Versus Recreation
A recent letter to The Straits Times raised questions about the classification of trading cards. The letter argued that while trading cards like *Pokémon* have genuine collectible value, when marketed primarily for speculation, they could share characteristics with gambling. This has led to calls for a coherent regulatory framework focusing on safeguards for minors.
Timeline for Regulation
The specific timeline for the new regulations will be disclosed when the framework is finalised. Currently, there are no specific laws targeting blind boxes in Singapore, although the regulation of mystery boxes is already established.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to provide further updates as they progress with the outlined regulations, ensuring public safety while balancing recreational activities like trading card collecting.