How are live card “box breaks” and buyer-only giveaways on places like Whatnot viewed in the UK — a hobby or something closer to gambling?

Posted by PanicNegative@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments

I’m interested to hear other UK perspectives on this, as something about it doesn’t quite sit right with me looking back.

I spent a fair amount of time using platforms like Whatnot, mainly taking part in card “box breaks”, buyer-only giveaways, and some of the more randomised formats. At the time it just felt like part of the hobby, but in hindsight I’m not sure I fully appreciated the risk side of it.

The structure is quite different to just buying singles or sealed — you pay upfront, but what you receive is determined randomly, and the value can vary quite a lot depending on luck.

One thing that stood out to me is how buyer giveaways seem to differ depending on location. From what I understand, in the US there’s often some kind of free entry route, whereas in the UK a lot of what I saw appeared to be limited to buyers only, which feels closer to a raffle-style setup.

I’m not making any accusations, but under the Gambling Act 2005, anything involving payment, chance and a prize can raise questions depending on how it’s structured in practice. It seems like how these formats actually operate is quite important.

I also noticed recently that some of the randomiser-style mechanics (like wheels) seem to be being phased out, which made me wonder if there’s been any shift in approach.

For context, I ended up spending a significant amount over time and the value I got back was much lower than I expected. That’s partly on me, but I do think the format makes it quite easy to get drawn in without fully realising the risk.

I’d previously been gamble-free (including being registered with GAMSTOP), and this didn’t really feel like gambling at the time — which is probably why it caught me off guard looking back.

Just curious whether others in the UK see it the same way, or if people view it purely as part of the hobby?

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NeitherLeg9570@reddit

It is gambling, just dressed up differently. The payment + chance + prize structure is literally what the Gambling Act defines. The fact that it "feels like a hobby" is kind of the whole problem... it slides past the mental defenses you'd normally have.

The GAMSTOP point you raised is really telling. These platforms sit outside that system entirely so there's no safety net if you've already identified gambling as a problem for yourself.

I'm a dev and I actually built an app called Anchor - Bet Blocker that blocks gambling sites and apps on iOS. One thing I noticed while researching the space is how many formats exist now that are functionally gambling but marketed as entertainment or collecting. Box breaks are a perfect example.

Whether the Gambling Commission eventually catches up to this stuff... who knows. But if you already know you're susceptible to it I'd treat it the same as any other gambling format and stay away.

TheRegularBelt@reddit

Anything that asks for my money in return for a product that I don't know the contents / rewards of is a nope. This is especially prevalent in the gaming space. One of my favourite games, Team Fortress 2, has a whole economy based around random unboxings of 'crates'. This sounds no different.

If you want an item from one of these sets, then just buy that particular item outright rather than chancing it. You'll probably end up having more money in your pocket and being more grateful for it!

BreqsCousin@reddit

Are Too Good To Go bags gambling?

peppermint_aero@reddit

Yes. Also mystery boxes from online clothing companies.

In the absolute strictest sense, yes. A little different as you're gonna be eating your winnings and they generally give you a very narrow outline as to what you'll receive, at least most places in my area do. I've never used them, though, so moot point.

I've never heard of these type of sites.

I think it's important that you noticed that this felt like gambling, and you stopped. That's good!

Lottiepop420@reddit

This sounds exactly like gambling, and very much like something easy to fix, and if I knew you well enough to be blunt I would say give your head a wobble.

PanicNegative@reddit (OP)

Completely agree. I’m an ex gambling addict and I’ve steered clear through blocks. My issue is that they are facilitating gambling with no safeguards in place

PipBin@reddit

I have read all the words. I understand all the words on their own. I have no idea what you are saying.

I still don't understand what the thing is that you are talking about.

What are you buying and what do you receive?

BuildingArmor@reddit

Streamer is going to open a box of sports trading cards.

You buy "anything from Team X", someone else buys Team Y, etc. You usually buy it by an auction type of bidding system.

They open the box live and send you all of the cards that feature the team you purchased.

feetflatontheground@reddit

This could as well be written in a foreign language. I don't understand a single thing in the original post.

Sorry I’ve updated to give some more context

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