Trading cards – A Hidden Casino Game?

Every single one of us must have experienced at least once the thrill of tearing open a trading card pack, the quality of the feeling is undeniable; one might even say the anticipation of maybe uncovering a rare card creates a rush quite similar to that we can experience while playing the usual casino games, but perhaps in a more innocent fashion. This playful activity has known a pretty amazing increase in popularity throughout time, with brands such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering leading the charge. There are many aspects different to actual gambling activities, perhaps the most important of them all is that opening card packs is accessible to all ages, so even your nephew or son has  or will have experienced the thrill at some point.

In the late 1990s, Pokémon cards became a huge phenomenon, captivating both the hearts of children and adults. Magic: The Gathering, which started its story in 1993, laid the groundwork for collectible card games with cool strategies and rare cards that could be attained for high prices. Today, the market for rare trading cards is surreal, with some individual packs selling for as much as $15,000. The chance of pulling a rare card from these expensive packs makes the collecting more similar to playing a casino game.

Another example would be trading cards with football players (especially during major competitions, such as the World Cup). During the timeframe of the event, it’s usually a huge thrill for people of all ages to start collecting cards with their favourite players. Even following the event and years later, you can find such cards at huge prices.

Continuing the parralel, both activities involve an element of chance and the potential for significant reward or even bigger disappointment. The excitement of possibly uncovering a rare card mirrors the anticipation felt when spinning a roulette wheel or playing a hand of blackjack. This comparison raises the question: Is really opening trading card packs a form of gambling?

In many jurisdictions, gambling is strictly regulated to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors. However, purchasing trading card packs remains largely unregulated, and children can easily participate everywhere in the world. The ethical implications are significant. Without age restrictions or oversight, children are exposed to the same dopamine-inducing mechanics that make casino games so addictive. Some might feel that this exposure could influence their behavior on long term, potentially leading to unhealthy habits, related to the feeling of seeking for rewards and taking risks.

Trading cards is a global thrill. The phenomenon is not isolated to Western cultures. In Japan, for instance, the lines between gaming and gambling blur even further. There are many type of games similar to standard slots, which are available to a broader audience, even young people. There is a tendency to somewhat normalize gambling for all ages.

The presence of this chance based type of experience in entertainment suggests that gambling might be an almost biological part of human nature. From ancient dice games to modern casino games, people have always been drawn to activities that offer an amount of uncertainty.

There are some questions arising from the lack of regulation in the trading card market, we should perhaps address consumer protection and the responsibilities of game manufacturers. Should there be age restrictions or warnings similar to those found in casinos? As the line between gambling and gaming continues to blur, society must consider the potential long-term effects on behavior and ethics, especially among younger generations.

As we’ve seen, there are many common aspects of trading cards and different casino games, such as thrill of the feeling, the rarity of the win, the potential very high win etc. Perhaps regulators should consider re-evaluating how these activities are perceived and under which gaming category they should be placed. Is it an innocent thrill or it could lead to a more clear of future gambling activity as an adult?