Are "Breaks" in Card Collecting a Form of Gambling?

Key Points:

• A “Break” is the opening and distribution of cards from a pack, box, set, or assortment of cards. 

• Participants can purchase a “spot” in a break to receive a portion of cards inside.

• Card “breaks” can mimic gambling by combining random outcomes, financial risk and emotional highs.

• Live-stream platforms like WhatNot heighten addiction risk with fast-paced bidding, peer pressure and social interaction.

• Birches Health offers specialized treatment for those struggling with cards, other collectibles or auction-related addictions.

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Collecting trading cards has long been considered a nostalgic – and potentially even lucrative – hobby. For many, it’s a way to reconnect with childhood, build community with fellow collectors or invest in items that may increase in value over time. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, “the hobby” boomed. Many individuals began collecting to pass time while the outside world was on pause. With growing demand, card prices increased, the stakes became greater and some individuals struggled with compulsive, unhealthy behaviors around the activity. 

“Breaks” in card collecting have only amplified the issues. On platforms like WhatNot where card “breaks” are thriving, the thrill of random outcomes and fast-paced bidding can create an environment that looks and feels very much like traditional gambling,. Consequently, sports card addiction and compulsive bidding behaviors become more common.

But, are “breaks” in card collecting a form of gambling? Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences. 

What are “breaks” and “breaking” in the world of collecting cards?

In the card world, a “break” refers to the process of opening and distributing cards from a sealed pack, box, set or case among multiple participants. Individuals in a break each purchase "spots" for a chance at receiving a portion of the cards inside. The types of spots can include specific teams, players, types/parallels of cards, or even serial numbers. Breaks can be done in various formats:

• Pack Break: One pack of cards, one spot per card. In a ten-card pack, all ten spots are available for purchase.
  
  

• Set Break: A complete card set from a specific year and brand is divided and sold by card.
  
  

• Box Break: Every pack in a factory-sealed box is opened, with specific cards then distributed to the corresponding participants, depending on which cards end up being inside.
  
  

• Case Break: Multiple boxes from a factory-sealed case are taken out, and every pack in each box is opened.
  
  

• Personal Break: The buyer owns every spot in the break, and therefore receives all cards – full pack, box, case, etc.
  
  

• PYT (Pick Your Team): Buyers choose a team and receive all cards featuring that team.
  
  

• PYP (Pick Your Player): Buyers choose a specific player, such as a young prospect or a perennial all-star, and receive all that player’s cards within.
  
  

• Random Team or Player Break: Participants are randomly assigned a team or player and they receive every card with that player/team.
  
  

• Block Number or Hit Random: Distribution is based on serial numbers or pre-selected cards.

The price of cards has increased significantly in recent years, as more and more collectors (and investors) have entered the card collecting community. Boxes that previously cost around $75-125 can now fetch $200-400 each. That naturally prices-out some collectors from buying a full box or case, so the appeal of a break is that they can be involved in the excitement of opening one without having to pay for the entire thing. 

Their “spot” may be a specific team or player that costs a portion of the total price. Therefore, they will root for that team or player being pulled as the break happens, but there is no guarantee that the case, box or pack will include any cards from that team or player. Therefore, there is an element of additional risk – the potential of getting “skunked” – that counters the benefit of not having to purchase the whole thing. 

WhatNot’s fast-paced, live-auction model adds fuel to the trend by turning breaks into interactive social events, where users can bid in real time and chat with other collectors. The excitement is contagious, and can be dangerously addictive for some.

Are breaks a form of gambling?

Arguments for “Yes” 

• Participants are risking real money for a chance at a desirable outcome.
  
  

• Breaks can involve random assignment of spots, using mechanisms similar to a roulette wheel or a random number generator.
  
  

• The potential to receive a valuable card is there, but the probability of receiving one is often quite low.
  
  

• The suspense of a live reveal can trigger an emotional high, similar to pulling a slot machine lever.
  
  

• On platforms like WhatNot, users may spend more than intended in fast-paced bidding situations.
  
  

• Much like in casinos that build a “hold” (percentage advantage) into every game, people running the breaks profit more consistently than participants, as the total amount spent on the “spots” totals more than what they spent on the cards.

  
  

The Case for “No”

• Some would argue that breaks are no different than buying a pack of cards in hopes of pulling desirable high-value ones from it. There is a cost, risk and random unknown outcome. Therefore, is that gambling too? Legal experts would argue “no.”
  
  

• Many join breaks for additional value and purpose, such as camaraderie and shared excitement, beyond the potential value of cards they receive from it.
  
  

• The thrill of the reveal and the live-stream format adds to the enjoyment of collecting, creating entertainment value.
  
  

• Buyers choose how much they want to spend and can set limits. Ultimately, it is their choice to spend their money how they want, whether that’s on a spot in a break, an unopened set of cards themselves, or tickets to a baseball game. Some argue that these are all just costs of entertainment.
  
  

• In break types like Pick Your Team (PYT), buyers can make informed decisions based on player performance or card values. Therefore, the ability to find value through research can add an element of skill (whether that’s perceived or real) to counter the natural luck involved. 

Conclusion

From a formal, legal definition standpoint, breaks are not a form of gambling. However, there are aspects of them that are either similar to and or even the exact same as gambling. Breaks and gambling both involve financial risk, uncertain outcomes (where losing is statistically more probable than winning), elements of chance and randomness, emotional swings and dopamine rushes, and most worryingly: the potential for addiction.

Can breaks be addictive?

Yes, very much so. The nature of breaks, combined with the social pressures of some card collecting communities and break hosts, creates a highly stimulating environment that can lead to compulsive behavior.

Many collectors find themselves constantly chasing the high of a “hit” – a valuable or rare card. The brain’s reward center, flooded with dopamine from the anticipation and potential reward, begins to crave more. Over time, this hobby can easily evolve into a card addiction, not unlike compulsive gambling, with individuals neglecting financial responsibilities, lying to loved ones, or spending beyond their means. Both card collecting addiction and gambling disorder fall into the category of “behavioral addictions” and can be treated in similar ways. 

Signs of Addiction in card collecting and breaking

Addiction doesn’t always look the same in everyone who struggles with it, but there are some common warning signs to be aware of:

• It becomes compulsive – constantly thinking about and seeking out new opportunities to join breaks or buy cards, often without considering the potential financial impacts.

• Negative effects on other parts of life such as work, school, family or other relationships, as cards are prioritized over them.

• Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent on card collecting and/or joining breaks.

• Impacts on financial wellbeing, such as building up credit card debt, borrowing money or an inability to pay bills as a result of what was spent on cards and/or breaks.

• Experiencing emotional distress such as anxiety, irritability or restlessness when not participating in breaks. There can also be feelings of guilt, depression or hopelessness afterwards. 

• Using breaks as a way to cope with stress, loneliness or other emotional pain.

• Spending more in an attempt to recover money lost on previous breaks, similar to “chasing losses” in gambling.

"I'm a Card Addict. And I Let MY Family Down."

WATCH:

Compulsive Card Collecting Support, Addiction Treatment

Card collecting can be a pleasant, relaxing and healthy hobby for some, but it can also become incredibly problematic and addictive for others. When the line between casual hobby and harmful behavior is neared or crossed, it's important to get help.

Birches Health offers specialized support for individuals struggling with card collecting or auction-related addictions. Birches’ team of counselors come with decades-long addiction treatment experience and provide an insurance-covered, comprehensive treatment plan that you can receive from the comfort of home:

If you or someone you love is facing card collecting addiction, know that recovery is possible.

Get started with Birches Health today:

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• Call 833-483-3838

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