Trading card packs to be regulated in S'pore under new blind box rules: MHA

Trading card packs sold in Singapore will be regulated as part of forthcoming measures aimed at addressing gambling-related risks linked to blind boxes.

Regulation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed on Feb. 26 that regulations are currently being drafted, with further details, including the expected implementation timeline, to be announced at a later date, reported The Straits Times (ST).

The move follows remarks by Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam in Parliament on Feb. 12 that the Government had decided to regulate blind box products after reviewing the issue together with the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).

The issue was raised in Parliament by Hougang Member of Parliament Dennis Tan, who asked whether the Government would consider requiring standardised disclosure of odds and probability ranges for blind box or “gacha” products.

Shanmugam then confirmed that such suggestions would be taken into account as authorities work out the regulatory framework, adding that Tan’s proposal for “mandatory and standardised odds and probability disclosure” would be among the points considered.

Blind boxes refer to sealed packages containing items that are not revealed to buyers at the point of purchase. They commonly feature collectibles such as figurines, toys and trading cards, often drawn from a fixed series.

Why trading cards are being examined

Calls to examine trading cards more closely have surfaced in public discourse.

In a Forum letter published in ST on Feb. 23, a reader argued that trading card products, such as Pokémon cards, rely on similar randomised mechanics.

Booster packs often contain a mix of common and rare cards, with the chance of pulling high-value cards being significantly lower.

While trading cards have legitimate recreational and collectible value, the writer suggested that when purchasing shifts from play to speculation, the behavioural patterns can begin to resemble gambling.

Rather than focusing solely on product labels, the letter argued that regulation should consider whether value is primarily determined by chance and marketed accordingly, with appropriate safeguards, particularly for minors.

Recent Pokémon scam highlights financial risks

The debate comes amid heightened attention on trading cards following a recent alleged Pokémon card pre-order scam in Singapore.

Supposedly more than 400 buyers reportedly lost a combined sum exceeding S$700,000 after paying for pre-ordered card products that were never delivered. Some individuals were said to have lost tens of thousands of dollars.

While the case involves alleged fraud rather than gambling mechanics, it underscores the significant sums circulating in the trading card market and the intensity of demand for sought-after releases.

Rare cards have also fetched eye-watering prices, reinforcing the perception of trading cards as speculative assets in addition to being hobby collectibles.

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