Singapore’s Mystery‑Box Marketplace Gets the Axe After a YouTube Promo
What Drakemall Was Trying to Sell
The Irish‑based site marketed itself as a “mystery box marketplace” where users could buy virtual boxes and hope to snag gadgets, fashion, or beauty goodies.
Prices ranged from as low as US$1 (~S$1.35) to hefty US$140 (~S$188), promising the thrill of surprise.
Imagine opening a coin‑change box that could contain an iPhone or a designer bag—almost too good to be true.
Enter the Singapore Star: Ridhwan Azman
Ridhwan, famed for his role in “Ah Boys to Men,” used his 500,000‑plus YouTube family to flaunt the site in a 13‑minute vid on Dec 22 last year.
He claimed he’d pulled an iPhone 11 out of a $6.50 box—less than a cheap snack—but the phone is worth around $1,000.
He guided viewers through signing up (and hinted at a referral code for bonus perks), banking on a young audience that’s mostly 12‑18 years old.
Police Say It’s Remote Gambling
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) found Drakemall to be a remote gambling service—essentially an online lottery where money is staked for random prizes.
Singapore’s Remote Gambling Act 2014 bans such activities unless a special exemption is granted.
Consequences: up to 7 years in jail or a $500,000 fine for providers, while promoters can face fines up to $20,000.
Why Teens Are the Target
Clinical psychologist Carol Balhetchet warned that teenagers, often only able to spend a few dollars a day, are lured by promises of big rewards.
She described it as “a negative way to get what you want with little money” and highlighted the risk of addiction when kids chase losses.
Influencers, like Ridhwan, wield a lot of sway—without a sense of responsibility they can inadvertently push young viewers into gambling.
The Verdict
Drakemall was blocked last week following a MHA directive, and the trainer’s video has since been removed.
Ridhwan reportedly didn’t know it was gambling; he insisted he had “no idea” it was a casino‑like venture.
In short: if you’re close to 10 or in your 20s, stay away from those mystery boxes that promise more than your wallet can handle.
