Singapore Pools: TOTO, 4D, Lucky Numbers, and Stories of Big Wins
When I first heard the name Singapore Pools, I honestly thought it was a swimming pool brand. It wasn’t until I spent more time in Singapore that I realized it’s actually one of the most uniquely Singaporean institutions. For locals, it apparently needs no introduction – but sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and reflecting on why Singapore Pools is such a big part of daily life in the Lion City.
The Auntie & Uncle Culture Around 4D and TOTO
One of the things that struck me about Singapore Pools is how it is not just about the numbers but rather about the people. Step into any neighbourhood outlet right before a big TOTO draw and you will see it – a line of aunties and uncles patiently queuing, clutching their slips like it is a small ticket to hope. There is an atmosphere you can almost feel, something I can best describe as a mixture of excitement and routine.
The way they choose their numbers is something else altogether. Dreams play a big role. If someone dreams of a certain animal or event, they will flip through the “dream books” or check online to see which number it corresponds to. Car plate numbers, birth dates, anniversaries, even the digits on a receipt can all become potential lucky numbers. It is part logic, part superstition, and completely Singaporean.
I later realized that for many, it is not even about winning the jackpot. For these groups, it has more to do with the ritual itself. Meeting the same faces at the outlet, chatting about which numbers feel hot this week, or laughing about how close they were the last time. It is a slice of community life that does not really exist anywhere else.
And the truth is, this sight is so common that if you live in Singapore for a reasonable period of time, you do not even think twice about it anymore. The aunties and uncles queuing at Pools outlets would become as familiar as kopi tiam chatter or HDB void deck chess games. A Singaporean friend of mine said it is woven into the everyday fabric of Singapore, a cultural ritual as recognisable as the Merlion or Marina Bay Sands. Very interesting!
How Likely Is Someone to Win TOTO or 4D?
If you have ever bought a TOTO or 4D ticket, you know the thrill that comes with holding that tiny slip of paper. But here is the hard truth – the chances of actually hitting the jackpot are incredibly small. For TOTO, the odds of winning the Group 1 prize are about 1 in 14 million. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than to walk away with the full pot.
4D feels a little more approachable since you are choosing a 4-digit number. But even then, there are 10,000 possible combinations, so it is still a gamble. And when you are aiming for the top prize, the odds are slim.
Yet this is exactly why people keep playing. The jackpot may be out of reach for most, but there is always a chance of smaller wins, and the dream itself keeps the excitement alive. For many, it is less about the math and more about the “what if”. That thought of, “What if my number really comes up this week?” is enough to keep the queues long and the conversations buzzing.
When I watch the aunties and uncles talk about their lucky picks, it is clear that the odds don’t matter as much as the hope. In a way, the real win is in the ritual, the chatter, and the tiny spark of possibility that everyone carries home with them after placing a bet.
Why Is It So Hard to Win TOTO?
If you’ve ever wondered why striking TOTO feels almost impossible, here’s the truth. The reality is that the math is brutal. To hit the jackpot, you need to match all six numbers. And because the numbers don’t repeat, there is only one winning combination every single time. That means your odds of hitting the Group 1 prize are about one in 14 million.
Think about that. You’re more likely to get struck by lightning, meet a celebrity by chance, or even find a $50 note on the ground than to pick the exact six numbers. It’s this astronomical unlikelihood that makes every win such a big deal when it happens.
Yet, despite the crazy odds, Singaporeans keep playing. Why? Because to most it appears that TOTO is more about hope than probability. Many Singaporeans I personally spoke to about this talked about the thrill of holding a ticket and imagining “what if”. And even though only one combination is right, every ticket carries that same dream.
How Do TOTO Odds Compare to Other Lotteries?
- Singapore TOTO: 1 in 14 million
- US Powerball: 1 in 292 million
- EuroMillions (Europe): 1 in 139 million
- UK National Lottery: 1 in 45 million
When you look at it this way, Singapore’s TOTO actually gives you “better” odds compared to some of the world’s biggest lotteries. Still, whether it’s 1 in 14 million or 1 in 292 million, the house always wins in the long run. But the dream of a life-changing win? That’s what keeps everyone queuing up week after week.
Biggest TOTO Winners in Singapore’s History
Despite how unlikely winning TOTO is, there are a few moments that make everyone’s ears perk up. These are what I call record-breaking jackpot stories that remind the average Singaporean that it can happen.
- In June 2025, a single ticket purchased in a residential area in Singapore called Yew Tee hit the jackpot of S$12.32 million. This was the largest first-prize payout ever recorded in the entire history of the TOTO program.
- Then in July 2025, another single ticket shook the entire nation after it snagged approximately S$12.8 million in a cascade draw. This came after no one won in three consecutive draws.
- Going further back, one of the largest wins in TOTO history reached $19.4 million on 11 February 2022. This is a number that still gets people talking.
Are TOTO Winnings Taxable in Singapore?
Here’s something that often surprises foreigners but every Singaporean quietly appreciates and that is TOTO winnings are not taxable. That’s right. If you’re lucky enough to strike, whether it’s $50,000 or a record-breaking jackpot, the full amount is yours to keep.
And why is this so? Simply because the government considers lottery prizes a “windfall” and not a form of earned income. So unlike your monthly salary where CPF and taxes take a chunk, lottery winnings are clean. What you see is what you get.
It’s one of the reasons why the queues get so long whenever the jackpot snowballs. People know that if lightning strikes, they won’t be sharing their millions with the taxman. Imagine winning $10 million and not having to give up a single cent to income tax?! I think that’s a very Singaporean kind of happiness.
Of course, the flip side is how you manage it after winning. No tax doesn’t mean no responsibility. Many winners choose to quietly invest, pay off their HDB loans, or set aside money for their kids’ education. But the key takeaway is this – in Singapore, your TOTO prize is all yours, untouched.
A Legal Fix in a Strict City
One of the things that truly fascinates me about Singapore is how strict it is when it comes to rules. Chewing gum, littering, even smoking in the wrong place can land you in trouble. Gambling is no different. Almost every form of betting is banned, yet Singapore Pools stands right there in the open, and everyone knows it.
This is not a contradiction. I think it is a calculated move. The government realised long ago that if people want to gamble, they will find a way. So instead of letting underground syndicates thrive, they created a legal, regulated outlet. By doing that, they not only kept illegal gambling in check, they also made sure that the proceeds go back into society. Money from Pools is channeled into the Tote Board, which funds community projects, sports, arts, and charities.
When I first understood this system, it struck me as one of those uniquely Singaporean solutions. On one hand, the country maintains its reputation for being orderly and strict. On the other, it acknowledges human behavior and provides a safe, controlled space for it.
Can Tourists Buy TOTO in Singapore?
Yes, absolutely. Tourists can buy TOTO tickets in Singapore without any restrictions. Whether you’re here for a short holiday, a business trip, or even just transiting through Changi, you can walk into a Singapore Pools outlet and purchase a ticket like any local.
What’s even more interesting is that if you actually win, you can claim your prize just like Singaporeans do. The winnings aren’t taxed, and there’s no extra paperwork simply because you’re a foreigner. For many visitors, buying a TOTO ticket becomes part of the Singapore experience – just like eating chilli crab, visiting Marina Bay Sands, or taking a selfie with the Merlion.
I’ve seen tourists, especially from neighboring countries, join the queues whenever there’s a massive jackpot on the line. For some of them I think it’s about being part of something that feels so uniquely Singaporean. For just a few dollars, they get to hold a piece of the same hope that locals have carried for decades.
Singapore’s Real Jackpot is The Journey Itself
Whether you win or not, Singapore has so much more to offer than a lucky ticket. The city itself feels like one big adventure waiting to unfold. You can spend your mornings exploring the bustling hawker centres, where every plate of food tells a story of culture and tradition.
In the afternoon, step into the quiet corners of the Botanic Gardens, where the sounds of the city fade away and nature takes over. By evening, wander along the Singapore River or take in the skyline from Marina Bay, and you will see why so many travelers fall in love with this place.
The real jackpot of traveling here is not about striking it rich but about the experiences you collect along the way. It is the flavours, the sights, the little encounters with people, and the memories that follow you home long after your trip ends. That is what makes Singapore a prize worth chasing.