New rules aim to reduce gambling-like risks and curb excessive spending
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to announce details of upcoming regulations on blind boxes by mid-2026, as authorities move to address concerns over gambling-like elements.
Regulations Target Gambling Risks
Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the new rules aim to mitigate gambling inducement risks associated with blind boxes, including the potential to encourage excessive consumer spending.
He was responding in a written parliamentary reply on March 2 to Ms. Hazlina Abdul Halim, who had asked about measures to address concerns surrounding such products.
What Are Blind Boxes?
Blind boxes are sealed packages containing items that buyers cannot see before purchase. They often include collectible toys, figurines or trading cards.
Some boxes contain rare items with lower odds of being obtained, creating an element of chance that authorities say may resemble gambling behavior.
Additional Safeguards Under Study
Mr. Shanmugam said further measures, such as age-based restrictions and mandatory probability disclosures, are being considered.
However, these additional safeguards require more time for study before implementation.
Trading Cards Included in Rules
On Feb. 26, MHA confirmed that trading card packs will fall under the upcoming blind box regulations.
Authorities previously announced that MHA and the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) had studied the issue and are currently drafting regulatory measures.
Distinction From Mystery Boxes
While there are currently no laws specifically targeting blind boxes, mystery boxes are already disallowed and subject to regulation through GRA-issued class licenses.
Unlike blind boxes, mystery boxes contain an unknown and widely varying range of items. In 2018, police ordered operators of mystery prize vending machines to cease operations as they were deemed a form of public lottery.
With blind boxes gaining popularity, Singapore is moving to introduce safeguards to address gambling-like risks and protect consumers. More detailed regulations are expected to be released in mid-2026.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Yahoo! News Singapore (2026)
Keywords: Singapore Blind Box Law, Gambling Inducement Risk, GRA Regulations 2026, Probability Disclosure Rules, Trading Card Packs Regulation
