Singapore plans to regulate blind box sales, with mandatory odds disclosure to address gambling-like risks, particularly for minors.

SINGAPORE: The government is planning to regulate the sale of “blind box” products due to growing concerns they induce gambling-like behaviour.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed in a parliamentary reply that legislation is being drafted to address the issue.

The proposed regulations would make it mandatory for sellers to disclose the probability of receiving specific items inside the sealed packages.

“The regulations are being drafted,” said Shanmugam, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for National Security.

He added that the “suggestion to have mandatory and standardised odds and probability disclosure will be among the points that will be considered for the regulations”.

Blind boxes are retail products, typically toys or collectibles, sold in opaque packaging that conceals their contents until after purchase.

Consumer advocates warn the scheme resembles gambling, especially when buyers pay for a chance to obtain rare or high-value items.

Digital variants, known as “gacha” mechanics in online games, similarly involve randomised rewards for payment.

Regulators and critics increasingly view the practice as predatory, blurring the line between shopping and gambling.

There is particular concern for minors, who are seen as especially vulnerable to the marketing tactic.

Blind boxes have been popularised in physical stores and online, driving sales for toy makers like China’s Pop Mart.

Pop Mart, which has six outlets in Singapore according to its website, did not immediately respond to queries.

 The Sun Malaysia