Lottery Singapore is an important part of the local culture, and the company’s games are affordable and fun to play. Its prize system is fair, and it is easy to purchase tickets at physical outlets or online. Players can also use a variety of strategies to increase their chances of winning. Moreover, the company does not charge any taxes on winnings.

The easing of COVID-19 restrictions has spurred an upswing in gambling, and this year’s results have been especially strong for lottery and sports betting products. In the Tote Board’s last financial year, which ended this past March, gamblers placed a record SGD9.2 billion worth of bets, a 43% increase over the previous year.

Individuals who feel that they are betting excessively can call the National Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline or use its Webchat for assistance. The organisation also offers a number of support services, including an anonymous hotline for those struggling with gambling addiction, and has launched a mobile app that enables people to monitor their betting behaviour.

If you want to place a bet, you must register with the Singapore Pools and pay your gambling duty. This must be done by the 15th day after the last day of the month in which the race/event/draw takes place. Failure to file your statement and pay your gambling duty may result in enforcement actions by IRAS. You can pay your gambling duty at any IRAS outlet or by cheque, crossed and made payable to “Commissioner of Gambling Duties”, with your full name and tax reference number written on the reverse side of the cheque.