Boy, 10, spends S$20-S$30 pocket money on Pokemon card TikTok livestream, parents worry it's gambling disguised as a game

A father, surnamed Lee, recently discovered that his 10-year-old boy had fallen prey to Pokemon card TikTok livestreams, which apparently conduct activities that resemble gambling.

Lee said he and his wife allowed their son to watch TikTok videos, but he did not initially show interest in watching livestreams.

However, some time in late May, they noticed transfers of money from their son's bank account.

There were two or three transfers of about S$20 to S$30 each time.

Parents concerned about how children will be influenced by such activities

The couple checked their son's phone and found out he had been watching Pokemon card livestreams.

Lee said his son likes to watch Pokemon card shows, but he does not collect Pokemon cards.

He expressed concerns over such livestreams because they resemble online gambling activities, Lee told Shin Min Daily News.

Expletives were also used by the host in the livestream and it can be a bad influence on young viewers, the father added.

"Such online gambling activities disguised as games should not exist, as they can have a significant impact on children," Lee said.

Lee did not confiscate his son's phone but chose to educate him on the dangers of gambling.

The couple also set a lower limit to the amount of bank transfer their son can make.

Lee hopes to raise awareness on such online activities so that others can be more vigilant as well, the Chinese newspaper reported.

What are such livestreams about?

According to Shin Min, the host of such Pokemon card livestreams would open up a few "slots" where players can place their bets.

Two interested players would then submit their bets to the host via PayNow before they "PK".

The game would start with two Pokemon cards or two packets being selected, and the card or set with a bigger number wins the round.

The host would take 10 to 20 per cent of the bets as commission, and the rest of the money would go to the winner.

Likely illegal

A lawyer from Invictus Law Corporation told Shin Min that if the livestream allows players to take part in a game of chance, it is likely a form of illegal gambling.

Providing gambling services and promoting such activities without a licence is illegal, the lawyer added.

Offenders may face up to S$500,000 fine or up to seven years of imprisonment.

A person who engages in such unlawful conduct may face up to S$200,000 fine or five years of imprisonment.

Repeat offenders will face heavier penalties.

Top photo from Shin Min Daily News & Google Play