The public advisory issued by the police against “mystery prize vending machines” - which “dispense random prizes upon receipt of cash payment” (ST, Aug. 17) - stating that the machines are a form of public lottery, raises questions about whether this regulation should apply to video-game Loot Boxes or similar products offered on e-commerce websites, and the extent to which public education, with the aim of encouraging individuals to be more informed and to take responsibility for their own decisions, ought to be strengthened. With the video-game loot boxes or e-commerce websites, in particular, the statement by the police that “the public should seek their own legal advice on such matters” appears inadequate. Continue reading →