Some Singaporeans are gambling their way into getting limited edition Labubu toys. Authorities have warned that these are violations of the Gambling Control Act.
A growing number of Singaporeans are turning to illegal online gambling to acquire limited edition Labubu toys, authorities warn.
Social media platforms like TikTok have become breeding grounds for illicit scratch-and-win games, where participants risk substantial sums of money for a chance to win the coveted collectibles. These collectibles, trademarked by POPMART and created by Kasing Lung, have been popular worldwide and used by fashion icons, making it a hot commodity especially in Asia.
Channel News Asia reported that some wagers throw in as much as SGD$150 for a slot at some of these scratch and win or roulette games. Some of the rewards include limited-edition plush toys, including the Hide and Seek version that’s inspired by Singaporean mascot Merlion.
These livestreams last for about five hours, with tens to hundreds of viewers per session, indicated the report.
Authorities warn that these flout the Gambling Control Act.
"First timers can be fined up to 500,000 SGD and imprisoned term exceeding 7 years. This is for first time offenders. Repeat offenders can have a fine of 700,000 SGD," Yuen Law managing director Samuel Yuen said, adding that underage players could be fined $1500.
TikTok has taken down these videos, saying they "do not permit the promotion or facilitation of gambling or gambling-like activities."
However, some of these accounts decided to stealthily promote their services even after the ban.
Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority encouraged the public to report “illegal remote gambling activities.”
“Under the Gambling Control Act, GRA has the powers to impose prohibited measures against illegal remote gambling activities,” it said in a statement.
Singapore’s police also said it issued an advisory against a live-streamer doing similar activities, while refusing to disclose these accounts.
Read related article: Singapore Gambling Declines, But Illegal Online Betting Rises
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