If you’re a frequent punter, you’ll quickly realise that the prize pool for the Hongbao draw this year has been reduced by 25%.
Last year, it was S$12 million.
This year, it’s S$8 million.
Is it because of Covid-19?
Well, yes, but not because Singapore Pools is trying to save money.
They just want to keep people safe.
Hongbao Draw Was Reduced from $12 Million to $8 Million to Better Manage Crowds
Because no one won the jackpot on 22 Feb 2021, the prize pool for the draw has increased to S$9.6 million.
According to a spokesperson for Singapore Pools, the prize pool was reduced this year to better manage crowds.
This was done in consideration of the health and safety of both the staff and punters.
Although, to be honest, to regular punters, S$12 million or S$8 million, both are equally attractive to common people in Singapore, no?
While online betting is now a thing, there are still many punters who find it hard to navigate these platforms.
A Hougang resident, known as Mr Cai, says the online betting platform is an inconvenience for those who are not familiar with how to set up an account.
Queues Still Form
And, as expected, snaking queues still formed outside Singapore Pools outlets ahead of the Hongbao Draw.
At Tong Aik Huat in Hougang, an authorised Singapore Pools retailer, the queue was so long it went down the road and around HDB estates.
The outlet is well-known for producing winning tickets that lead to huge payouts.
At Jurong Point, the Singapore Pools outlet located in Fairprice Xtra snaked almost all the way to the entry/exit point after 8pm.
Punters Felt It Safe Enough To Buy At Singapore Pools Outlets
One thing to be commended, however, is the punters themselves.
Queues observed showed them largely wearing masks properly and keeping to the 1-metre safe-distancing while waiting for their turn.
The queues, though long, were also pretty fast.
Some punters reported only having to wait for five minutes before making their bets.
Singapore Pools have also deployed additional manpower on the ground to manage the crowd during this period.
The results for the Hongbao Draw this year will be announced at 9.30pm tonight (26 Feb).
So, are you feeling lucky today?
Feature Image:Â Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)
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