Singapore eyes controls on trading cards over gambling fears
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing new regulations to govern the sale of so-called blind boxes and trading card sales, citing concerns that these products may encourage gambling-like behaviour.
Blind boxes are sealed packages containing items whose contents are not revealed to the buyer at the point of purchase. They typically include collectible toys, figurines, models or trading cards. Consumers buy them without knowing which specific item they will receive.
In response to queries from Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, a ministry spokesperson said the authorities intend to introduce rules to regulate such sales. The move aims to reduce the risk that blind box mechanics could induce gambling tendencies.
The Gambling Control Bureau will also be involved in shaping the framework. Officials said draft regulations are currently being prepared, with further details to be released once finalised. An implementation timeline has yet to be announced.
Ongoing debate in parliament
The issue was raised in Parliament last month by Hougang MP Chan Lip Fung. In a written reply, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam confirmed that the government had studied the matter and decided that conditions should be specified for the launch and sale of blind boxes.
One area under consideration is whether sellers should be required to disclose the odds or probabilities of obtaining specific items. Some blind box products include rare or “hidden” versions with significantly lower draw rates. Some analysts argue that such features may prompt consumers to make repeated purchases in the hope of securing a scarce item.
Singapore does not currently have legislation specifically targeting blind box sales and trading cards. However, officials appear concerned that certain sales practices could resemble gambling, particularly when chance determines the outcome and high-value prizes are involved.
Popularity grows worldwide
Blind box consumption has grown in popularity worldwide, especially among younger consumers and collectors. Trading card packs, including those linked to popular entertainment franchises, often use similar mechanics, where rare cards are randomly distributed.
The global trading card market has also seen strong growth. A report published in August 2025 by market research firm Custom Market Insights projected that the sector would expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.24 percent between 2025 and 2034.
High-profile sales have further drawn attention to the sector. Influencer and wrestler Logan Paul recently auctioned a rare Pokémon trading card for more than S$20 million, reportedly setting a world record for the most expensive trading card ever sold. Such headline-grabbing prices can add to the perception of trading cards as speculative assets rather than simple collectibles.
Authorities have not indicated that blind boxes will be banned. Instead, the focus appears to be on setting safeguards to reduce potential harm while allowing legitimate retail activity to continue.
The upcoming rules are expected to depict how blind boxes can be promoted and sold, including whether sellers must disclose the odds of receiving specific items. For now, much of the sector in Singapore continues to operate under voluntary industry standards rather than formal regulation.
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