Rare Pokémon cards are currently housed in one of the most secure places in the U.S.—the Pentagon food court. Among these treasures is the Surging Sparks Pikachu card, featuring a stunning illustration of Pikachu with a Stellar-type Tera crown.
A gacha-style vending machine called Lucky Box now sits in this unique location. It’s designed for collectors and enthusiasts to try their luck at winning graded cards, both sports and trading types. This machine was reportedly installed around Christmas, adding a festive twist to the military’s dining area.
The Lucky Box machine is a gamble—players pay between $100 and $200 for a chance at cards like the Pikachu or a giant Charizard that appears on the machine’s exterior. While the Charizard’s presence is eye-catching, it’s unclear if it’s actually in the machine.
On social media, Lucky Box shares photos of winners, showcasing rare Pokémon cards and sports memorabilia. However, it seems no one has posted about winning big from the Pentagon machine just yet. Many of their posts highlight successful players from Las Vegas, where over 20 of these machines are located. Winners have found valuable cards, including a rare Venusaur and the special edition Mew from “Pokémon: The First Movie.”
Interestingly, the concept of chance in card collecting is not new. According to a recent study by the National Retail Federation, the trading card market is booming, worth an estimated $1 billion in 2021. Many fans treat it as a form of gambling, opening packs in the hope of hitting the jackpot. In this case, the Pentagon’s vending machine makes that notion even more explicit, requiring hundreds for a slim chance at a rare find.
With the military’s watchful eye on the Lucky Box, a new chapter begins in the world of collectibles, merging nostalgia with modern-day gambling in a truly unexpected setting.
For more about the game and trends in trading cards, you can explore this report from the National Retail Federation.
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