TOTO is a legalized form of lottery sold in Singapore. Accordingly, TOTO is known as Lotto in many other countries. Singapore Pools is the only legal lottery operator in Singapore. It was first established on 23 May 1968 to control the widespread illegal gaming in Singapore during the 1960s.
TOTO is a popular form of gaming in Singapore. In February 2005, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) indicated that 58% of the Singapore residents surveyed had participated in at least one form of gaming activity over the past year. Among those surveyed, TOTO rated the second most popular type of gaming activity after 4-Digits. The average monthly median betting amount of those surveyed who bought TOTO was placed at S$48.
In line with legalized gaming, the Singapore government announced its decision in 2005 to establish 2 Integrated Resorts (IRs) – each containing a casino. This decision sparked a renewed interest on the topic of gaming. Several, notably religious, groups such as the Christians and Muslims openly aired their disapproval of casinos. They believe that casinos could lead to an increase in gaming activities hence creating
more compulsive gamers. Citing national interests and economic benefits as key reasons, the Singapore government sought to justify the establishment of IRs in Singapore.
To appease these groups, the Singapore government has implemented elaborate measures to minimize the social impact of gaming. These measures include restricting and strictly controlling the admission of locals into casinos.
To reduce compulsive gaming, the National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG) was established on 31 August 2005 to promote public awareness on problem gaming. Singapore Pools has also taken a “Play Responsibly” stand urging gamers to guard against problem gaming.
TOTO can be purchased from any of the 300 Singapore Pools outlets across Singapore. Draws are conducted every Monday and Thursday. The “live” TOTO draw can be viewed at the Singapore Pools Main Branch at 1 Selegie Road, #01-01, Paradiz Centre. The profits from TOTO go to the Singapore Totaliser Board (the owner of Singapore Pools) which uses the money for charity and other worthy causes.
Method of Play
A buyer picks at least 6 numbers, each on a basis of 1 to 45. The winning numbers drawn include 6 numbers plus an additional number. 4 or more numbers on a ticket matching the 7 numbers drawn qualifies the buyer for a cash prize. The prize money escalates with the increase in numbers matched.
The maximum allowed matching numbers is 6. Thus, if 6 numbers on the TOTO ticket matches the 6 numbers drawn, the jackpot (Group 1) prize is won.
Placing Bets
There are 4 different ways to place bets:
QuickPick - The computer randomly selects 6 numbers from 1 to 45 for the buyer. No bet slip is required.
Ordinary Bet - The buyer selects 6 numbers from 1 to 45 by marking on a bet slip.
System Bet - The buyer selects 7 to 12 numbers from 1 to 45 by marking on a bet slip. For example, a System 9 bet is a selection of 9 numbers.
System Roll - The buyer selects only 5 numbers from 1 to 45. The 6th number is assigned by the computer based on the remaining 40 numbers.
Bet Cost
Bet Type
Number of Ordinary Bet combinations
Cost
Ordinary
1
S$0.50
System 7
7
S$3.50
System 8
28
S$14.00
System 9
84
S$42.00
System 10
210
S$105.00
System 11
462
S$231.00
System 12
924
S$462.00
System Roll
40
S$20.00
The minimum bet amount is S$1.00 for 2 Ordinary bets. Bets can also be placed by bet amounts. The computer automatically sells the buyer the maximum number of bets for the bet type placed. The balance amount is placed on the next lowest bet type.
Prizes
The TOTO prizes comprise of 54% of the total TOTO sales for each draw. The prize pool is divided between 6 prize groups. The minimum guaranteed amount for Group 1 Prize is S$500,000.
Prize Group
Winning Numbers Matched
Prize Amount
1
6 numbers
33% of prize pool
2
5 numbers plus the additional number
13% of prize pool
3
5 numbers
13% of prize pool
4
4 numbers plus the additional number
13% of prize pool
5
4 numbers
S$30 per winning combination
6
3 numbers plus the additional number
S$20 per winning combination
History of TOTO
TOTO was first sold as a simple, manual version in 1968. Tickets were purchased from small stand-alone booths across Singapore.
9 June 1968 – A manual version of TOTO is launched.
1981 – “Snowballing” is introduced to TOTO. This allows the top prize to increase from draw to draw. The system entry mode is introduced so multiple bets can be made on a single coupon.
19 May 1986 – TOTO is offered as a computerized on-line game based on a ‘5 out-of 49’ format.
1988 – TOTO is changed from a ‘5 out-of 49’ format to a ‘6 out-of 42’ format. The top prize is set at a minimum of S$300,000.
1 July 1997 – TOTO is changed to a ‘6 out-of 45’ format. The Group 1 prize is increased to a guaranteed minimum amount of S$500,000.
30 Dec 1999 – 6 lucky winners share the Group 1 jackpot of S$10.5 million in the TOTO Millennium Draw.
10 February 2000 – TOTO’s first annual Hongbao Draw is conducted. The Jackpot Prize marks a S$11 million record.
6 October 2006 – A special TOTO Mooncake Draw is held with a S$5 million jackpot.
TOTO is a legalized form of lottery sold in Singapore. Accordingly, TOTO is known as Lotto in many other countries. Singapore Pools is the only legal lottery operator in Singapore. It was first established on 23 May 1968 to control the widespread illegal gaming in Singapore during the 1960s.