Core Viewpoint - The rise of blind box sales, both online and offline, has led to the emergence of gambling-like activities disguised as legitimate transactions, particularly through live streaming platforms [1][8]. Group 1: Blind Box Market Dynamics - Blind boxes are popular due to their uncertainty, attracting consumers who enjoy the thrill of opening them [1]. - The "Cyber Appreciation" app allows users to participate in blind box draws for prices ranging from 9.9 yuan to 199 yuan, with the potential to win rare collectibles valued over a thousand yuan [2]. - The excitement generated in live streams encourages more viewers to participate in the blind box draws [2]. Group 2: Investigation and Findings - Many buyers reported delays in receiving their rare collectibles after the draws, leading to complaints and police involvement [4]. - Investigations revealed that the app's operators had set up a system where the probability of winning rare items was less than 4%, and players had to recharge significant amounts to increase their chances [5][8]. - The app operated in conjunction with another platform for cashing out items, creating a closed-loop system that resembled gambling [10]. Group 3: Legal Implications - The operators of the "Cyber Appreciation" app were identified as running an illegal gambling operation, with the business model designed to maximize player losses [10][13]. - Over 2,000 players recharged significant amounts, totaling over 23 million yuan, indicating the scale of the operation [14]. - Legal actions have been taken against the operators and involved parties, with sentences ranging from one year to five and a half years for those found guilty of operating a gambling establishment [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of gambling-like activities disguised as blind box games on platforms like the "Cyber Appreciation" app, where users are lured into spending large sums of money under the pretense of winning valuable collectibles [2][10]. Group 1: Business Model and Operations - The "Cyber Appreciation" app allows users to participate in blind box draws for prices ranging from 9.9 yuan to 199 yuan, with the promise of winning rare collectibles worth thousands [2][10]. - Investigations revealed that the app's operators set the probability of winning rare items at less than 4%, leading to significant financial losses for players as they continued to spend money [8][12]. - The app's business model involves a cycle of user deposits, draws, and cashing out through another app, creating a closed-loop system that resembles illegal gambling operations [10][12]. Group 2: Legal Implications and Investigations - Authorities have identified the operations of the "Cyber Appreciation" app as constituting illegal gambling, leading to the prosecution of nine individuals for operating a gambling establishment [15][18]. - The app's operators and associated network influencers were found to have knowingly promoted the gambling nature of the platform, contributing to the financial exploitation of users [14][18]. - The case serves as a warning to both operators and players about the legal boundaries of blind box sales, emphasizing the need for transparency in product offerings and marketing practices [15][18].