Singapore TOTO is a form of lottery that was purposefully established as the government’s strategy for regulating gambling in the country. But, beyond this purpose, TOTO boasts tempting jackpots—substantial winnings that could change one’s fortunes overnight.
However, for a strategic approach to TOTO lottery, lottery enthusiasts must first familiarise themselves with the game’s mechanics, bet options, and participation requirements.
TOTO History
Singapore TOTO was created in 1968 to combat widespread illegal gambling activities. It started as a manual lottery, offering a safe and controlled alternative.
The 1980s saw significant changes to TOTO. In 1981, the concept of “snowballing” jackpots was introduced, allowing prize amounts to grow if there was no winner in the previous draw. By 1986, TOTO shifted to a computerised system for efficiency.
The format of the game has also undergone several revisions throughout the years. In 1988, the format of the game was updated—it changed from “5 out of 49” to “6 out of 42”—then to “6 out of 45” in 1997. Finally, in 2014, the current format of “6 out of 49” was established.
TOTO Mechanics
To participate in TOTO betting, bettors must select at least six (6) numbers between 1 and 49 and place bets before 6 PM on your chosen draw day. The minimum stake per bet is $1.
Generally, TOTO draws take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 in the evening, with seven (7) winning numbers drawn electronically every draw. Bettors can opt to bet on a single draw, two consecutive draws, or four consecutive draws. In special cases, a cascade draw occurs at 9:30 PM—happens when there is no winner for the jackpot (Group 1 Prize) in three consecutive draws.
Bettors win a prize if their number selection includes at least three of the winning numbers. Correspondingly, prize amounts depend on how many of the chosen numbers match the winning numbers.
TOTO Bet Types
Ordinary Entry
This is the most common and straightforward type of TOTO bet. Bettors only need to bet on six numbers between 1 and 49. They win a prize if their number selection matches some or all of the winning numbers drawn. In general, the more numbers matched, the bigger the prize.
System Entry
System Entry requires players to select more numbers on a single ticket to boost their odds of winning a prize. Choosing more numbers allows for multiple betting combinations—the more numbers selected, the more Ordinary Entries are in one bet.
TOTO offers a couple of variations on System Entries:
Bettors can participate in TOTO by making a System Roll,which encompasses betting on five (5) numbers of their choice and one rolling number. Designated by ‘R,’ the rolling number represents all remaining 44 numbers of the total of 49 numbers available for selection; and/or,
Betting on all possible combinations of sets of 6 numbers from a selection of 7 to 12 numbers out of the total 49 numbers.
But, before opting for a System Entry bet, it is crucial to remember that each System Entry comes with a steeper price tag (as shown below). Generally, System Entry is more expensive than the $1 price of an Ordinary Entry.
| Bet Type | Total Numbers Selected | Number of Ordinary Entries | Minimum Bet Amount |
| System Roll | 5 | 44 | $44 |
| System 7 | 7 | 7 | $7 |
| System 8 | 8 | 28 | $28 |
| System 9 | 9 | 84 | $84 |
| System 10 | 10 | 210 | $210 |
| System 11 | 11 | 462 | $462 |
| System 12 | 12 | 924 | $924 |
Quick Pick
Quick Pick is a convenient option for players who do not have a set of TOTO numbers in mind. The system randomly generates six unique numbers from the pool of 1 to 49.
Just like an Ordinary Entry, Quick Pick bets cost $1 per bet, and your chances of winning depend on how many of your randomly generated numbers match the winning numbers drawn.
iTOTO
This bet offers a cheaper way to play System 12 Entry in TOTO, enabling bettors to buy a System 12 Entry bet for just $33 (1/28th of its actual cost). In iTOTO, bettors can buy one or more units of the system-generated number set. They can essentially buy multiple units of the same set for a chance at a bigger win if the numbers match.
However, bettors must keep in mind that the payout in iTOTO might not be much higher than an Ordinary Entry or System Entry win. Since an iTOTO bet unit is a fraction of a System 12 Entry, the prize money for each winning unit is simply the System 12 Entry prize divided by 28.
Group TOTO
Group TOTO is another cheaper way to play System Entry in TOTO. Bettors can share the cost and potential winnings of a System Entry with other players.
In Group TOTO, bettors must meet the minimum cost of $7 per ticket to place a Group TOTO bet. When a bet is placed, the group can have it printed on multiple tickets (up to 10) so each person can have their own ticket.
As mentioned, the total cost of a System Entry is divided into smaller units. Subsequently, if the System Entry linked to the Group TOTO wins a prize, the total winnings are divided proportionally among all the unit holders within the group.
How to Place TOTO Bets?
Traditionally, bettors can place TOTO bets at physical Singapore Pool outlets. But, with the ubiquity of electronic devices and widespread internet access, lottery players can now effortlessly buy TOTO tickets online, directly from official TOTO operators like Singapore Pools, or on Singapore betting sites.
88Probet is a top betting site in Singapore. It enables bettors to enjoy betting on jackpot lotteries (TOTO and 4D), live casino games, and sports. Register here to start your TOTO betting activities today.
