Recorded 20 February 2026
Do you buy blind boxes? Or do you know someone caught up in the blind box craze recently?
In a written reply to a parliamentary question in mid-February, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam that the government is considering adding regulations to blind box sales and to "better manage gambling inducement risks".
In this episode, join Anelka and Nico as we discuss blind boxes; what about them creates that urge to keep buying another one? Also, is the blind box considered a gamble?
Halfway through, Yakoob (remember him? from last semester) joins us in the discussion of associating blind boxes and gambling. During the break, he talks about his new venture in a new show group: Travel!
After the break, we talk about another gambling method that's becoming popular in the US, prediction markets. These markets have been skirting gambling rules in the US. Are they just a prediciton game or an expanded sphere of gambling? How likely would they make inroads into Singapore? Tune in to listen to our thoughts.
Finally, we talk about gambling enforcement in Singapore generally, as well as potential challenges to enforcing blind boxes.
Happy listening (and we assure you, this isn't a gamble of your time)! :)
Read the Parliamentary Question and Written Reply here: https://www.mha.gov.sg/media-room/newsroom/legislating-mandatory-disclosure-of-odds-and-probability-ranges-for-blind-box-or-gacha-products/
If you (or anyone you know) need help with a gambling problem, or require assistance on problem gambling contact the National Gambling Problem Hotline at 1800-6-668-668. Alternatively, visit the NCPG website at ncpg.org.sg for more resources.
If you are a NUS student or staff, you can also approach the University Counselling Service for counselling and further advice.