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TL;DR: Pop Mart’s blind boxes are a rising trend, but they’re more than just collectibles — they blur the lines between collecting and gambling. Despite being legal, blind boxes have been criticised for exploiting psychological triggers that could lead to compulsive spending, particularly among children and young adults. This has prompted both Singapore and China to take action, with both countries implementing regulations to protect consumers.
Pop Mart Blind Boxes: The Fine Line Between Collecting and Gambling
Pop Mart’s blind boxes have exploded in popularity across Asia and beyond, sparking curiosity among both collectors and investors. These “mystery toys” are designed to offer a sense of surprise, with each box containing a random collectible. For many, the excitement lies in the hunt — the chase for rare items. However, what appears to be innocent fun could also be a dangerous game, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and young adults.
The debate about whether Pop Mart's blind boxes are harmless fun or a form of gambling has become more intense. While the legal status of blind boxes remains in grey areas, there are increasing concerns about the psychological impact they have on consumers, with growing parallels to gambling behaviour. To understand why, we need to dive into the mechanics behind these popular products and explore the regulatory efforts that have emerged in response.
What Are Blind Boxes?
A blind box is a mystery product that’s sold in sealed packaging, with the contents hidden from view until it’s opened. This model is especially popular among collectors, particularly those who seek out limited-edition figures or rare items. Pop Mart, one of the leading brands in this space, has turned these mystery toys into a multi-billion dollar business, with figures like Labubu becoming a global phenomenon.
However, blind boxes are not without controversy. The nature of the purchase — paying for an item without knowing its exact contents — triggers psychological and behavioural responses that resemble gambling. For example, the uncertainty of what you will receive, the possibility of “missing out” on rare items, and the thrill of unboxing can mimic the same sensations that lead to compulsive gambling behaviour.
The Gambling-Like Mechanics of Blind Boxes
Despite not fitting the traditional legal definition of gambling, blind boxes share several characteristics with gambling activities:
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Chance-Based Rewards: The outcome is uncertain, as consumers have no guarantee of what they will get, making it similar to a lottery or gambling.
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Emotional Triggers: The “near miss” effect, where consumers nearly get the rare item but fall short, is known to trigger compulsive buying behaviour.
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Sunk Cost Fallacy: Once consumers begin buying blind boxes, they may feel the need to keep purchasing to "recoup" their previous investments, leading to escalating spending.
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Financial Losses: Some buyers, particularly collectors seeking rare figures, have been reported spending tens of thousands of RMB (roughly $1,400 USD or more) in pursuit of rare items.
The Impact of Blind Boxes on Young Consumers
The primary concern surrounding blind boxes is their impact on young, impressionable consumers. Studies show that children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the psychological mechanisms that drive compulsive spending. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the excitement surrounding the potential for a rare collectible encourage continued purchases, even when the financial cost outweighs the perceived value.
For example, a survey revealed that 13% of young gamers had gone into debt due to loot box purchases in video games — a statistic that mirrors the behaviour exhibited by blind box consumers. These figures reflect a deeper, concerning trend, as young people are disproportionately impacted by the addictive aspects of chance-based products.
Regulation: Singapore and China’s Response
Both Singapore and China have recognised the potential risks of blind boxes and have taken action to protect consumers.
Singapore’s Approach
Singapore has been proactive in regulating products that mimic gambling, including blind boxes. Under its gambling laws, Singapore has cracked down on the sale of mystery box vending machines, which were classified as a form of public lottery. In 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs proposed a S$100 prize cap for mystery boxes to limit the incentive for excessive spending. This is part of a broader effort to protect young consumers from developing gambling habits.
China’s Crackdown
China, where Pop Mart is based, has gone even further. In 2022, Shanghai became the first city to introduce specific regulations for blind boxes. The rules include:
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Age Restrictions: Sales to children under eight are banned, and parental consent is required for those aged 8-18.
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Price Caps: Blind boxes are capped at 200 RMB (~S$40) to prevent excessive speculation and ensure they don’t resemble high-stakes gambling.
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Transparency: Operators are required to disclose the odds of obtaining rare items, and the manipulation of results is prohibited.
In 2025, the Chinese state media published a high-profile commentary calling for even stricter regulations, citing concerns about addiction among minors. The backlash has led to a temporary drop in Pop Mart’s stock prices, indicating the growing pressure on companies to adapt to stricter consumer protection laws.
Why Does It Matter?
For Singaporean consumers, the rise of blind boxes highlights a crucial issue: the intersection of entertainment and spending habits. As disposable income rises, so does the temptation to indulge in products that provide emotional rewards. While buying a blind box may seem harmless, it can easily spiral into compulsive spending, especially for young consumers who may not fully understand the financial implications.
Furthermore, the rapid global expansion of companies like Pop Mart and their reliance on blind boxes signals that this trend is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Regulators in Singapore and beyond will need to continuously adapt to new consumer behaviours and trends to safeguard public welfare.
Conclusion: The Need for Caution
Blind boxes are undeniably exciting for collectors and fans. However, their resemblance to gambling mechanisms cannot be ignored. While they may be legal and fun in moderation, consumers should be aware of the psychological risks involved. As both Singapore and China ramp up their regulatory efforts, it will be essential for other countries to follow suit, ensuring that consumer protection is prioritised without stifling innovation in the collectibles market.
This is an AI-powered article, curated by The Financial Coconut.
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