If your 4D ticket matches a consolation number, you still get a payout—though it’s usually a smaller, fixed amount compared to the top prizes. The payout depends on your bet type and how much you staked.

Understanding how the consolation prize works can help you appreciate those near-misses. It also lets you decide which bet types might give you the best shot at getting some of your money back.

You’ll see how consolation payouts fit into the prize structure, how different bet types like Big/Small, iBet, and permutations affect your cash, and which rules matter when you go to claim a prize.

I’ll break these points down as simply as possible, so you can actually use them when picking numbers or checking results.

Understanding the 4D Consolation Prize

Consolation prizes give you more chances to win if your 4D number matches certain drawn numbers. They pay less than the top three prizes, but you still get a set amount based on your bet and stake.

Definition and Role in 4D Lottery

You get a consolation prize if your chosen 4D number shows up in the consolation list for the draw. In Singapore 4D, they usually draw ten consolation numbers, separate from the top three prizes.

You have to match all four digits in the exact order to win. The consolation tier exists to spread winnings out, so it’s not all-or-nothing.

If your ticket matches, you simply get the fixed payout for your bet type—no need to share with other winners.

Eligibility for Consolation Prizes

You qualify for a consolation prize when your ticket’s 4D number exactly matches any of the published consolation numbers for that draw.

Check the official result list—it’ll show first, second, third, starter (if any), and consolation numbers. Only ordinary, Big or iBet entries with the exact 4-digit combo can win consolation.

System entries that generate multiple combinations qualify if any of those combinations match a consolation number. You need to claim your winnings within the claim period and bring the original ticket.

Big Bet Versus Small Bet Impact

Your bet type changes how much you get from a consolation prize. With a Small bet, you only win if your number hits first, second, or third—consolation usually doesn’t pay for Small.

With a Big bet, your number can win in the top three, starter, or consolation categories. Big bets give you more coverage.

The payout rates differ: a $1 Big bet on a consolation number pays a fixed lower amount than the top prizes, but you’ll hit it more often.

If you use iBet or system bets, your stake covers multiple permutations, so you have more chances to match a consolation number—but it’ll cost more upfront.

4D Consolation Prize Payouts and Prize Structure

The consolation prize is one of the lower-tier payouts in 4D, but it still pays out if you match the right numbers.

You’ll notice differences in payout amounts, how bets count, and how each operator or country calculates the prize pool or per-SGD payout.

Current Payout Amounts for Consolation Prize

In Singapore 4D, the consolation prize pays a fixed amount for every SGD 1 bet on a Big bet. The usual payout is SGD 60 per SGD 1 for a Consolation win.

So, a SGD 1 stake on Big gives you SGD 60 if you hit a Consolation number. Small bets don’t get Consolation payouts, so they only compete for First, Second, and Third.

If you use iBet, the Consolation payout changes depending on your number’s digit pattern. Always check the operator’s prize table for the exact rates before betting.

Differences Across Singapore and Malaysia

Operators and countries set different prize structures, so you have to check each one. Singapore Pools lists Consolation as a fixed SGD amount per SGD 1 on Big bets (usually SGD 60).

Malaysian operators like Magnum or Da Ma Cai may pay different rates and use RM as currency, so a “RM1 bet” pays a different RM amount.

How Prize Structure Affects Winnings

The prize structure decides how much you can win and which bets count. If Consolation only pays on Big bets, placing a Small bet means you’re out of luck for that tier.

A fixed Consolation payout (like SGD 60 per SGD 1) gives you a clear return per bet. But system entries, iBet permutations, and roll bets can change the payout per SGD 1, so your actual return will depend on digit repeats and bet type.

Always compare the prize table and the listed rates to know what you’ll actually get.

Permutations, iBet, and Consolation Prize Calculations

Let’s talk about how iBet turns one 4D entry into a bunch of permutations—and how consolation prizes work for each type.

The math depends on how many unique digit orders your number creates and whether you played Big or Small.

Overview of iBet and Permutations

iBet covers every possible order of a 4-digit number, so you win if any permutation matches a winning number.

A number with four unique digits (like 1234) has 24 permutations. If two digits repeat (like 1123), you get fewer unique numbers.

You choose iBet if you want full permutation coverage instead of betting on a single order.

Singapore Pools applies the prize rules to each matching permutation, based on your bet type.

Consolation Prizes for 24, 12, 6, and 4 Permutations

Consolation prizes pay when any permutation of your number matches a consolation number. The payout per match depends on how many permutations your number makes.

• 24 permutations: all digits unique, so you get 24 chances to hit.
• 12 permutations: one digit repeats twice, giving you 12 orders.
• 6 permutations: two pairs or one digit repeats three times, so you get 6.
• 4 permutations: three digits the same (like 1112) or other patterns with just 4 orders.

If one permutation matches, you get the consolation prize. Big vs. Small changes which tiers and amounts you can get.

Comparing 4D Consolation Prize to Other Prize Categories

The consolation prize hits more often, but pays much less per win than the top three or special categories. You should know where it ranks, how it compares to the starter prize, and how bet types change the cash you actually get.

Ranking Among 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Special Prizes

The consolation prize sits below the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and any special or starter prizes in value. For a typical $1 Big bet, the 1st prize pays about $2,000, 2nd pays about $1,000, and 3rd pays around $490.

The consolation prize usually pays a much smaller fixed amount (like $60 per $1 on Big bets).

You win consolation if your ticket matches one of the preset consolation numbers, not the top three draws. It’s easier to hit than 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, but the payout matches the lower odds and smaller prize money.

Starter Prize Versus Consolation Prize

Starter prizes usually pay more than consolation prizes and sit between the top three and consolation in value. For example, a starter prize might pay around $250 per $1 on Big bets—way higher than consolation.

Starter winners have to match numbers in a dedicated starter list, which usually has same entries than the consolation list.

Your chance to win starter depends on how many starter numbers are drawn.

Key Rules and Tips for Claiming 4D Consolation Prizes

Make sure you know the minimum bet, how the prizes get calculated, and the deadlines before you head out to collect your prize.

Minimum Bet and Entry Requirements

You’ve got to place at least the minimum bet for the game if you want a shot at any prize.

For Singapore 4D, that usually means SGD 1 for a basic entry, but it can climb higher for bet types like iBet or system bets.

Let’s say you bet SGD 1 on a straight entry, and your number pops up as a consolation number—you’ll get the payout shown for a $1 bet.

Hang on to your original ticket. You’ll need to show the physical ticket when claiming in person.

Claims usually close 180 days after the draw, so don’t wait too long.

For online bets, keep your account details and transaction ID handy—these will act as your proof instead of a paper ticket.

Equal Sharing and Prize Pool Regulations

Want to know the exact prize for your bet size? Check the official prize table. Before you play, always double-check the payout rules—either where you buy your ticket or on the operator’s website. That way, you won’t get caught off guard.

Editor’s notes

Seeing the same digit appear repeatedly isn’t exciting anymore—it’s informative. Repetition signals stability, not surprise. Once I understood that, I stopped chasing novelty and focused on consistency. Stable digits often outlast flashy ones.