Singapore weighs tighter rules on ‘gacha’ blind boxes

Singapore – The Government is drafting regulations to govern the sale of blind box, or “gacha”, products in Singapore, including the possible introduction of mandatory and standardised disclosure of odds and probability ranges.

Responding to a written parliamentary question from Dennis Tan on 12 February, coordinating minister for National Security and minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) had reviewed the issue.

“MHA and GRA [have] studied this issue and have decided to introduce regulations stipulating the conditions under which blind boxes may be offered, to better manage gambling inducement risks,” Shanmugam said.

He added, “The regulations are being drafted. The Member’s suggestion to have mandatory and standardised odds and probability disclosure will be among the points that will be considered for the regulations.”

The move signals tighter oversight of blind box products, which typically involve randomised rewards and have drawn scrutiny over similarities to gambling mechanics.

Blind boxes, also called “gacha” products, are collectible items sold in sealed packaging, so buyers do not know which specific item they will receive. 

They often feature toys, figurines, or digital items, and the chances of obtaining rare pieces are usually random, making them similar to a game of chance.