Lottery Singapore is a popular way to spend time with friends and family. Its three main lotteries – 4D, Toto and Singapore Sweep – offer high prizes. You can also try your luck at online lottery websites. But before you start playing, it’s important to know some basic information about the games.
The history of Lottery Singapore
In 1968, Singapore Pools was founded to run lottery games in the country. Its first game was Singapore Toto. It has since undergone several changes in technology and gameplay. The first change was in 1981 when the jackpot was introduced.
The game consists of a 6/49 matrix and allows players to select up to six numbers from 1 to 49. The first number is a guaranteed winning number and the other five numbers are drawn randomly.
Besides the standard format, TOTO offers two additional entry form offerings that can improve the odds of winning. However, they come with a steep price tag.
Winnings from lottery and sports betting products in Singapore are considered as windfalls and not taxable income. The Tote Board reported a record SGD9.2 billion in wagers on lotteries and sports during the last financial year, which ended in March 2022.
The easing of COVID-19 curbs has seen gambling in Singapore pick up again, with record amounts being spent on lotteries and sports betting. This was in contrast to the previous financial year, when bets on these products were down 40 per cent.