Labubu Gambling: The Rise of Mystery Box Craze and Its Legal Dangers

Introduction: The Labubu Frenzy

Labubu figures, created by Pop Mart, have recently skyrocketed in popularity — largely thanks to K-pop megastar Lisa from Blackpink, who flaunted the quirky characters on social media. Although Labubu toys have existed for nearly a decade, their viral resurgence has led to an explosive demand, especially among collectors. With that demand has come a controversial twist: the rise of Labubu gambling through mystery boxes, TikTok livestreams, and high-stakes wheel spins.

What Is Labubu Gambling?

At the center of the hype are Labubu blind boxes — collectible toys that are only revealed after purchase. While this "surprise" format is a big part of the appeal, it has also birthed a gambling-like ecosystem. Eager fans often buy box after box, hoping to score ultra-rare “secret” Labubu figures.

The gambling aspect escalates on platforms like TikTok, where livestreamers run spin-the-wheel games or sell virtual scratch cards. Participants pay up to $150 per spin for a chance to win rare Labubu figures — a high-stakes gamble cloaked in the aesthetics of toy collecting.

Is It Legal?

In some jurisdictions, these activities may cross into illegal gambling territory. For example, under Singapore’s Gambling Control Act, facilitating such betting-like mechanics without a license can result in fines of up to $500,000 and jail time of up to seven years for first-time offenders. Even underage players face fines of $1,500.

Despite platform policies — TikTok, for instance, explicitly bans gambling content — new accounts promoting these activities often reappear within days. Many now shift the actual "game" to private Telegram groups, avoiding public scrutiny while maintaining audience engagement.

The Psychology Behind It

So why are fans so obsessed? It all comes down to dopamine and digital hype. Mystery boxes and digital gambling tricks activate the brain's reward system. That “hit” of excitement — especially when tied to the chance of scoring something rare — is addictive. According to experts, this mechanism mirrors what happens in traditional gambling and can fuel compulsive behavior.

Organizations like TOUCH Community Services have raised red flags, particularly for children and teens. The blurring of gaming and gambling, they argue, can lead to long-term issues like overspending, addiction, and even anxiety or depression when a rare item isn’t won.

Regulation vs. Enjoyment

While some call for stricter enforcement, others warn against over-regulating. After all, many everyday products — like Kinder Surprise or McDonald’s Happy Meals — use chance-based fun to enhance consumer experience.

Legal experts suggest a balanced approach: protect vulnerable users without banning all forms of chance-based engagement. Authorities like the Gambling Regulatory Authority are now considering specific regulations for mystery boxes, aiming to clarify legal boundaries without stifling joy.

Profit Behind the Craze

Retailers aren’t just witnessing the craze — they’re profiting from it. One store owner in Singapore, whose shops sell imported Labubu toys, said they sell out within three to four days, with the figures now accounting for over 15% of total revenue.

Pop Mart outlets regularly face long queues, with new Labubu series drawing crowds so large that stores have had to pause sales for safety reasons. Resellers, meanwhile, flip rare figurines for as much as $1,000 each in online marketplaces.

Final Thoughts: Know the Risks

Labubu gambling might look like harmless fun, but it reveals deeper issues in our digital economy — where collectibles, gamification, and social media hype combine to create behavior that mirrors traditional gambling.