Singapore offers some very popular lottery games, and TOTO is by far one of the biggest draws in the country.
In this guide, we will explain how this game works and how it compares to some of the biggest lotteries in the world.
We will also show how you can buy Singapore Pools TOTO tickets online.
About TOTO
TOTO is operated by Singapore Pools, a state-run company that was launched in 1968.
The company was formed by the Singapore government in order to combat illegal gambling and offer fair games that are beneficial to the country.
The game saw format changes in 1981, 1986, 1988 and 1997 before coming to its current format in October 2014.
TOTO now offers a familiar 6/49 format.
TOTO Draws
Singapore TOTO draws are bi-weekly, occurring every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 pm SST.
However, if a jackpot rolls over four times without a winner, then the time of the draw changes.
These special draws are called “Cascading Draws” and take place at 9:30 pm SST.
Draws take place in front of a live audience at the main branch of the Singapore Pools organisation.
The initial draw involves choosing six numbers, which determine the winning jackpot numbers.
An additional ball is selected to determine the winning numbers for the lower prize tiers.
How to Play TOTO
TOTO has much more standard gameplay than the popular 4D Lotto.
In fact, its format is identical to any other 6/49 format game, meaning players must choose six numbers from a number pool ranging from 1 to 49.
To win the jackpot, players must match all six numbers.
The most basic ticket, called an ordinary entry, costs S$1 and consists only of the six selected numbers. However, players can choose from two other forms:
- System entry: This method offers players a much higher chance of winning, though the higher odds come at a much higher price tag. With system entry, players can choose up to 12 numbers that are played in up to 914 unique combinations. Depending on how many numbers a player chooses, tickets can cost more than S$900.
- System roll: This method is also a costlier option than an ordinary entry. In system roll, players choose five numbers. The sixth number is considered a rolling ball, which represents all other numbers available in the number pool.
Singapore Pools TOTO Prizes and Odds
TOTO offers seven prize tiers in total.
The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 13,983,816, which are much better than some of the biggest lotteries like US Powerball and Eurojackpot, though still not great.
The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 54.
The draw has rolling jackpots, which means prizes are carried over if there are no winners.
Jackpots start at S$1 million but can get quite high.
However, the jackpot rolls down if there is no winner for four consecutive draws, limiting the jackpot potential. If the jackpot rolls down, the prize is shared amongst the winners of the lower tier prizes.
Some of the seven prize tiers offer a fixed amount, while others consist of a percentage of the prize pool.
The odds of winning and the prize amounts are as follows:
Prize Tier | Matched Numbers | Prize Amount | Odds of Winning |
1 | 6 | Jackpot (minimum S$1 million or 38% of prize pool) | 1 in 13,983,816 |
2 | 5 + Seventh Number | 8% of prize pool | 1 in 2,330,636 |
3 | 5 | 5.5% of prize pool | 1 in 55,491 |
4 | 4 + Seventh Number | 3% of prize pool | 1 in 22,197 |
5 | 4 | $50 | 1 in 1,083 |
6 | 3 + Seventh Number | $25 | 1 in 812 |
7 | 3 | $10 | 1 in 61 |
Claiming TOTO Prizes
TOTO jackpot winners have two options when it comes to claiming their prize: a 20-year annuity or a lump sum.
As is frequently the case, the lump sum option is a smaller amount compared to the annuity.
Winners in Singapore do not have to pay any taxes on winnings, as they are not considered income.
However, like other lotteries, winners from outside the country who play online may have to pay taxes in accordance with the laws of their respective countries. However, they first have to find a lottery site that features TOTO.
Notable TOTO Winners
There have been a few notable winners of Singapore TOTO.
The largest jackpot ever awarded was S$13.94 million, which equals approximately US$10.25 million.
It was split between two winners, with each receiving S$6.97 million.
The biggest single-winner jackpot was awarded in January 2019, and saw the lucky winner walking away with S$9.7 million.
Singapore Pools TOTO-Should You Play?
Singapore Pools TOTO offers a familiar format that easily optimizes players’ chances of winning through two additional entry form offerings.
However, though these forms can help boost odds, they do come with a hefty price tag.
With decent prizes and fair odds, we don’t see why you shouldn’t play TOTO.
However, there are definitely better international lotteries with much bigger jackpots that are also easier to buy lottery tickets online for.
Matt