If you’ve ever placed a bet on soccer, horse racing, or even state lottery games like Toto and 4D, chances are that you’ve dealt with Singapore Pools. This multifaceted entity has its fingers in many pies, and handles billions of dollars worth of bets each year–that’s enough to fund a small country! And while some people think the house always wins, the truth is more nuanced. It’s not just about luck: Smart punters use strategies like analyzing betting patterns and exploiting market inefficiencies to try to tilt the odds in their favor.
The company was set up in 1968 to combat illegal gambling and provide people with a legitimate and trusted avenue for betting. Today, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Singapore Tote Board and reports to the Ministry of Finance. Its surplus revenues are channeled to support charity activities in the community.
Over the years, Singapore Pools has expanded its roster of products to match the needs of its customers. In addition to Toto, Singapore Pools offers football, horse racing, and 4D lottery games, plus a variety of sports bets. The company also operates a number of retail outlets and online platforms to make it easier for punters to bet on their favorite events.
In 2018, the company launched Group TOTO and iTOTO, two new ways for punters to share their bets with friends and family. Singapore Pools also re-certified with the World Lottery Association Responsible Gaming Framework at Level 4, the highest level, and was awarded the Green Data Centre Standard by the BCA.
While the company is best known for its gambling operations, it’s also deeply involved in social causes and donates millions to local charities each year. From educational programs to cultural festivals, Singapore Pools’ commitment to giving back is a cornerstone of its corporate identity.
The company’s efforts extend beyond the boardroom, too, with the Singapore Pools Academy offering training to social service organisations and charities. The program is part of the company’s efforts to become a “Company for Good,” and is in line with its strategy to invest in human capital and develop talent. Singapore Pools also uses its IT infrastructure and expertise to help other charities through iShine Cloud, a platform that helps them improve their productivity and operational efficiency. The platform is a part of the company’s larger initiative to be a global technology leader.