The 4D lottery is one of the most popular gambling activities in Singapore. At least when it comes to legal activities. It’s a game licensed by Singapore Pools, a company owned by the government.
If you haven’t heard of the 4D lottery yet, you are at the right place. We’ll make an analysis of the game’s history, its rules, and general information. By the time you are done with the article, you’ll be ready to play 4D and compete for the biggest prizes.
In the early 1950s, any kind of gambling in Singapore was strictly forbidden. However, in the year 1956, we have the first mention of lotteries with the numbers three or four in them. These lotteries were mentioned at the trial when a family that held illegal gambling activities was caught.
At the time, the only entity that was allowed to host lottery games legally was Singapore Turf Club. They realized how popular these games so we had the first legal version of the game back in 1966. Additionally, the original name of these lotteries was the Four-Digit character lottery, or simply Four Digits.
In the next 30-40 years, the game didn’t go through a lot of changes. Toto (two-digit game) and 4D (four-digit game) were still the most popular games in Singapore.
The biggest, most relevant changes for 4D occurred in the early 2000s. A new way of number drawing was introduced, numbers were drawn several times per week, and ultimately, Singapore Pools became a government-owned company. That was the start of the new era of lottery in Singapore.
First of all, 4D simply means four digits. Anyone who wants to place a bet on a 4D lottery must choose one number with 4 digits in it. Numbers that can be chosen range from 0000 to 9999. For example, 4567 and 7654 are both valid selections.
Once a player chooses the number, he can decide whether he wants to place a big bet or a small one. The main difference between these two types of bets is that the big one makes the player eligible for five prize categories, while the small one makes the player eligible for the three prize categories.
The minimum amount that players can wager regardless of the bet is $1.
The safety and security of the 4D draws are one of the best in the lotto world. Of course, this is a good thing because all participants can be sure that lottery results are fair and square.
Draws are taking place three times a week. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6:30 PM (UTC +8). Below are detailed steps on how winning numbers are getting picked.
Step 1
A special computer is selecting which drawing machine and set of balls will be used. The computer randomly chooses one main machine and one backup machine that will be used in case of any mechanical failure with the first one.
Step 2
The set of balls that was selected by the computer now needs to be weighed in. All balls are weighed individually and they must weigh the same (a small margin for error is allowed).
Step 3
The machine and set of balls that were selected are now transferred to the room where the draw will take place. This is a room where a live audience is present, along with the official representatives and an independent auditor.
Step 4
Balls are now being loaded into the drawing machine. A random person from the audience is selected to start the draw with the press of the “start” button on the main switch of the drawing machine.
Step 5
Once the machine starts, balls with numbers start to spin until they get sucked through a cylinder and thus are drawn. A total of 23 numbers are being drawn.
As we mentioned before, prizes from five different categories may be won. The difference in amounts in each category is significant.
All categories and their prizes are below. Starting from the top prize.
First Prize
You’ll get $3000 for each $1 invested on a small bet, and $2000 for each $1 invested on a big bet.
Second Prize
$2000 per each dollar on a small bet and $1000 on a big bet
Third Prize
$800 on a small bet and $490 on a big bet
Starter Prize
250$ per each wagered dollar. This prize is available only for a big bet.
Consolation Prize
$60 per each wagered dollar. This prize is also available only for the big bet.
However, if the lottery world is not enough for you, you can always try hundreds of instant win games that you can find at an online casino.