Toto is a legalized form of lottery sold in Singapore, known by different names elsewhere. It is held by Singapore Pools, the only legal lottery operator in Singapore. As of April 2015, it was the second most popular type of gambling activity, after 4-Digits. Toto can be purchased from any of the Singapore Pools outlets across Singapore. Draws are conducted every Monday and Thursday at 18h30 or 6:30pm. In case of the cascade draw, the draw time will change to 9.30pm. The "live" Toto draw can be viewed at the Singapore Pools Main Branch at 210 Middle Road. The profits from Toto go to the Singapore Totaliser Board which uses the money for charity and other worthy causes.
History of Toto
Toto was established to control widespread illegal gambling in Singapore during the 1960s. A manual version of Toto was launched on June 9, 1968. In 1981, "snowballing" was introduced. It allowed 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. On May 19, 1986 Toto was offered as a computerized on-line game based on a '5 out-of 49' format. In 1988, the game was changed from a '5 out-of 49' format to a '6 out-of 42' format. On July 1, 1997, Toto's format was changed once again to a '6 out-of 45' format. The game introduced several popular draws, including the Toto Millennium Draw, the Hongbao Draw and the Mooncake Draw. On October 7, 2014 Toto was changed to a '6 out-of 49' format. In September 2016, Toto became available online.
Method of Play
A buyer picks at least six numbers, each on a basis of 1 to 49. The winning numbers drawn include six numbers plus an additional number. Three or more winning numbers on a ticket matching the seven 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 seven. Thus, if six numbers on the Toto ticket matches the six numbers drawn, the jackpot prize is won.
Placing of bets
There are 4 different ways to place bets:
Bet Slip
Bet Cost
The minimum bet amount is S$1.00 per bet ticket. 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.
Result Ticket
Payout and odds
The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 54. 54% of the total Toto sales for each draw goes to the Toto prize pool. The Group 1 prize has a minimum guaranteed amount of $1 million. If there are no winners in one of the groups, the respective group's prize will be snowballed to the next draw. Group 1 prizes can only be snowballed up to 4 draws, thereafter, the prize will be cascaded to Group 2.
