Manufacturers of Labubu Criticized Over Sales Format Compared to Gambling

^{Pop Mart vending machine selling “blind boxes” featuring Labubu}

Singapore authorities have criticized the sales model of so-called “blind boxes”, including the popular Labubu series, citing similarities to gambling, Bloomberg reported.

Blind boxes — contain items whose contents are revealed only after purchase and unsealing. The products are sold in retail stores and through dedicated vending machines. Consumer interest is largely driven by the possibility of obtaining rare collectibles.

The country’s gambling regulator and the Ministry of Home Affairs have agreed to introduce unified rules governing the sale of such products, according to a written government response to a parliamentary question dated February 12.

While new regulations are being drafted, authorities may require sellers to disclose the probability of obtaining specific items and to standardize how such information is presented.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said the measures are aimed at reducing the risk of encouraging gambling-like behavior among residents.

Singapore has previously recorded cases in which blind box mechanics were used to facilitate illegal gambling activities. In 2024–2025, some TikTok sellers hosted livestream lotteries in which participants paid up to $110 for a chance to obtain rare Labubu items. Authorities classified these schemes as violations of the Gambling Control Act. Organizers face penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $370,000.

The format’s growing popularity has boosted revenues for toy manufacturers, including Pop Mart International Group Ltd., which produces the Labubu series, and Miniso Group Holding Ltd. Buyers often seek rare items for resale, with some fetching thousands of dollars on secondary markets.

Calls for dedicated regulation of blind box sales have also been raised in other jurisdictions. In 2023, the China Consumers Association urged companies marketing such products to disclose the probabilities of obtaining specific items.

Gambling Park notes that gambling in Singapore is permitted only within a tightly regulated framework. The country operates two licensed casinos — Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa — while sports betting and lotteries are conducted exclusively through the state operator Singapore Pools.