Published: May 09, 2025

Disclaimer: This is a hypothetical proposal. Nothing within this page has been officially implemented. It is a public proposal intended to raise awareness and inspire industry stakeholders to consider these regulatory measures. Collectors MD is advocating for these practices in hopes that they will be adopted by platforms, breakers, and industry leaders to promote fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in the hobby.

Introduction

The sports card and Trading Card Game (TCG) collecting hobby has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with “live card breaking” (or just “breaking”) becoming a dominant activity. Breaking involves sellers opening sealed boxes or packs of cards live on various platforms and selling individual cards to participants. While this practice has introduced excitement and community engagement to the hobby, it has also led to significant concerns about fairness, transparency, and consumer protection—particularly when it comes to repacks, which are not produced by licensed manufacturers and lack standardization, transparency and oversight. However, this proposal is not limited to repacks alone, as even manufacturer-sealed products can be subject to questionable practices in the live breaking experience.

Collectors MD, a movement dedicated to promoting responsible collecting and protecting consumers, is proposing a set of regulatory measures to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of breaking activities across all major platforms.

Objectives

1. Ensure Fairness and Transparency: Protect consumers by enforcing clear, honest, and ethical practices in all breaking activities.

2. Prevent Fraud: Establish standards to prevent deceptive practices, manipulation, and unethical behavior.

3. Standardize Practices: Create a consistent set of guidelines for all breakers, ensuring that participants have a clear understanding of the process.

4. Consumer Protection: Safeguard consumers, including minors and vulnerable individuals, from exploitative or predatory practices.

5. Responsibly Breaking Messaging: Promote “Responsible Breaking” or “Responsible Ripping” messaging throughout the industry, encourage participants to collect with intention and maintain healthy habits, and provide a clear call-to-action: “If you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive spending behaviors, please reach out to Collectors MD for support.”

Scope

These regulatory measures should apply to all major platforms where breaking occurs, including but not limited to:

• Fanatics Live

• Whatnot

• eBay Live

• Loupe

• Instagram Live

• Facebook

• YouTube

Key Regulatory Proposals

1. Licensing and Registration:

   • Require all breakers to obtain a license through a recognized Card Breaking Commission.

   • Platforms hosting breaking activities must register and comply with established regulatory standards.

2. Transparency Requirements:

   • Mandate clear disclosure of break format, pricing, and potential risks to participants.

   • Require that the entire breaking process is live-streamed and recorded for accountability.

3. Randomization and Fairness:

   • Require third-party verification of randomization processes to prevent manipulation.

   • Prohibit any tampering with packs or boxes during the breaking process.

4. Consumer Protection Measures:

   • Ensure clear refund and dispute resolution procedures for participants.

   • Implement safeguards to prevent minors from participating in high-risk breaks.

5. Platform Responsibilities:

   • Mandate that platforms monitor and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.

   • Provide a reporting mechanism for participants to report violations.

6. Audit and Compliance:

   • Conduct regular audits of licensed breakers and platforms.

   • Impose penalties for non-compliance, including fines, suspensions, or revocations of licenses.

Promoting Responsible Collecting: An Industry Shift

Responsible breaking isn’t just about compliance—it’s about changing the culture. Collectors MD encourages breakers to lead by example, providing white-glove service to their customers, promoting responsible spending habits, and ensuring that every participant feels valued.

Breakers who adopt this approach will be seen as pioneers of industry reform. Customers are financially, mentally, and emotionally impacted by reckless breaking practices, and the industry has a responsibility to protect them.

Co-Branded Initiatives for Responsible Breaking

• Collaborative Messaging: Breakers can subtly promote responsible collecting through consistent messaging, social media posts, and direct customer interactions.

• Co-Branded Break Stands and Mats: Breakers can integrate Collectors MD and “Rip Responsibly” branding on their setup to visibly promote responsible collecting.

• Educational Content: Share tips, stories, and reminders to help collectors enjoy the hobby without falling into destructive habits.

Benefits of Regulation

1. Enhanced Consumer Confidence: Participants will have greater trust in the integrity of breaks.

2. Market Integrity: Standardized practices will enhance the credibility of the hobby.

3. Fraud Prevention: Regulatory oversight will deter unethical practices.

4. Industry Growth: Clear guidelines will foster a healthier, more sustainable market.

Implementation Plan

1. Stakeholder Consultation:

   • Collect feedback from collectors, breakers, platforms, and industry experts.

2. Regulatory Framework Development:

   • Design detailed regulations and guidelines based on stakeholder input.

3. Education and Training:

   • Provide training programs for breakers and platforms to ensure compliance.

4. Enforcement:

   • Gradually roll out the regulations, allowing platforms and breakers time to adapt.

Conclusion

This proposal aims to create a safer, fairer, and more transparent environment for sports card and TCG breaking. By implementing these regulatory measures, the industry can better protect consumers and foster sustainable growth.

https://collectorsmd.com/industry-reform/

Published May 12, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

When we decided to publish CMD's "Proposal for Regulating Sports Card & TCG Breaking Activities," it wasn’t just to add our voice to the noise. It was because we’ve seen firsthand how the hobby can become a financial and emotional trap for so many. We’ve watched collectors chase that next big hit, lose control, and struggle with the fallout. And we've experienced it ourselves. We’ve also seen how some sellers take advantage of that desperation, exploiting customers who are just trying to find joy in collecting.

This proposal is our attempt to push for real change. It’s not perfect. It’s not an official law. But it’s a start—an open invitation for industry stakeholders to step up and take responsibility. To acknowledge that breaking isn’t just a game—it’s a business. And like any business, it should be held to a standard of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

I knew there would be pushback. There always is when you challenge the status quo. But we also knew that staying silent wasn’t an option. We’ve spent years in the sports card hobby, and we’ve watched too many collectors suffer from compulsive spending, manipulation, and a lack of support. That has to change.

This proposal is about setting a baseline—a foundation for responsible breaking practices. It’s about protecting collectors, especially the most vulnerable ones. It’s about encouraging platforms and breakers to lead with integrity, not just profit.

And it’s about proving that Collectors MD isn’t just a voice in the void. We’re here to create real, meaningful change. Even if this proposal doesn’t get picked up immediately, it’s a conversation starter. It’s a way to say, “We see the problem, and we won’t ignore it.”

#CollectorsMD
If you’re tired of watching collectors get exploited, stand with us. The hobby can be better. Let’s make it better.

—
Follow us on Instagram: @collectorsmd
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Support Group
Join The Conversation On Mantel
Read More Daily Reflections