(Editor's note): This article was updated at 12:00am, and at 8.00am with the response from Singapore Pools. The Singapore Pools spokesperson said that Singapore Pools will suspend all lottery draws and totalisator sales in accordance with the latest measures by the Multi-Ministry Task Force. All Singapore Pools' outlets will be closed from April 7 til further notice. Account betting service will be suspended as well.
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed that Singapore Pools outlets are not considered essential services, and are therefore subject to closure under the new Covid-19 restrictions.
Speaking in a press conference on Apr. 3, in response to a query by a reporter from Lianhe Zaobao, Wong said: "Finally your question on Singapore Pools and 4D outlets, they will be closed. They are not considered essential services."
The measures implemented will see all retail outlets closed, except those providing essential services, such as food supplies and healthcare.
Wong also urged Singaporeans to stay at home and heed the new guidelines as Singapore battles the Covid-19 outbreak.
You can check the full list of essential services at this government website.
Update on the way
For now, punters are able place bets online, if they register for an account and meet the criteria.
Previously, Singapore Pools conducted live lottery draws for 4D, Toto and the Singapore Sweep behind closed doors.
This was after livewire venues and off-course betting centres for live sports betting and horse racing were closed on Mar. 26.
A Singapore Pools spokesperson informed Mothership that an announcement would be made on the matter on Apr. 5.
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Top image via Joe Yang/ Google Maps