If you’ve not spent a cent on any blind box, congratulations, because you must be one of a very small number who have not bought into the craze. For the rest of us, who have probably torn holes in our wallets, and then some, buying blind boxes, here’s an external force that might help us get this addiction under control – blind box regulations, set to be implemented in the near future.
There are currently no laws surrounding blind boxes in Singapore, whereas mystery boxes have been disallowed since as far back as 2018, since they are considered a form of public lottery.
In case you were wondering what the difference between the 2 is, blind boxes contain contents from a defined variety of items, while the term “mystery box” itself is the definition of what it contains – a mystery.
As for why blind boxes are soon to be regulated as well, all you have to do is look at the international madness that is POP MART, and the recent JuJu World saga, where people were buying tins of the AI-generated mutant bunny by the tens and twenties.
The randomised reward structure of blind boxes, and the hunt for what’s perceived as “rare” collectibles is a gambling mechanic – you’re suckered into blowing more money on it, gambling for a chance to hit the jackpot. If you had not realised it, here’s your wake-up call that gambling by any other name is still just that.
But where there are tight restrictions on casino entries and stuff like that, who’s to stop impulsive youths and everyone else from splurging excessively, and obsessively, on blind boxes they don’t really need?
The regulations have not been revealed yet, but according to The Straits Times, details were supposed to be expected around mid-2026 – in other words, we should be hearing about them soon.
Seeing as the blind box frenzy is still raging, it’s likely that the regulations will be officially rolled out in short order.
There aren’t many details at the moment, but what we do know is that Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam stated back in May that sellers of blind boxes will not be required to open the boxes to sell the contents as individual items.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) of Singapore have confirmed that trading card packs such as Pokémon cards will be regulated as part of the upcoming set of laws, which aim to mitigate the gambling inducement risk of blind boxes, including their potential to induce excessive consumer spending.
In time to come, further measures, such as age-based restrictions, and the need for retailers to disclose the probabilities behind each blind box, may be introduced.
FYI, China has a strict ban on selling blind boxes to children under the age of 8, while minors aged 8 to 18 require parental or guardian consent.
It remains to be seen what Singapore’s take on the blind box regulations will look like, but this comes as a timely reminder to us all as well to perhaps take stock of our own addictions. Stay tuned as we update this article with new information when we have it.
For more content:
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local
Some stores are having moving-out sales, where you can purchase items at a steal.
Blind box regulations Singapore If you’ve not spent a cent on any blind box, congratulations,…
Look forward to a lively market every weekend.
It’s just a 6-min walk from Clarke Quay MRT station.
Save more than a couple of bucks!
The exhibition is coming to Asia for the 1st time.