A Singapore man has become the subject of online discussion after allegedly losing a significant sum of money following advice from a fortune teller who told him that the Chinese New Year period would be his luckiest year yet. The case, which has been widely shared on social media and messaging platforms, has reignited debate over superstition, gambling habits and the influence of fortune-telling culture in Singapore.
According to accounts circulating online, the man visited a local fortune teller ahead of Chinese New Year, hoping to gain insights into his prospects for the year. During the consultation, he was reportedly told that his luck was exceptionally strong and that the festive period would be a rare window for wealth accumulation. The fortune teller allegedly advised him to “buy as much TOTO and 4D as possible” to maximise his chances of winning.
Encouraged by the reading and buoyed by festive optimism, the man allegedly followed the advice closely. He is said to have spent heavily on lottery tickets over several weeks, repeatedly placing bets on both Singapore Pools’ TOTO and 4D draws, convinced that a major win was imminent.
High hopes turn into heavy losses
Instead of striking it big, the man reportedly experienced a string of losses. Each unsuccessful draw led him to double down, believing that luck was simply delayed rather than absent. Friends and online commenters claimed that he continued spending in the hope that a turnaround was just around the corner.
By the end of the Chinese New Year period, the man was said to have lost so much money that he jokingly described himself as having “lost until pants drop”, a colloquial expression used locally to indicate severe financial loss. While the exact amount has not been confirmed, netizens speculate that the losses could have run into the thousands of Singapore dollars.
The story quickly gained traction online, with many using it as a cautionary tale about blind faith in fortune-telling and gambling. Others criticised the fortune teller’s alleged advice, arguing that encouraging excessive gambling crosses ethical boundaries, especially during a period when people are already emotionally primed to believe in luck and prosperity.
Fortune telling, gambling and festive psychology
In Singapore, fortune telling remains popular, particularly during Chinese New Year when many people seek guidance on wealth, career and relationships. Combined with easy access to legal gambling options such as TOTO and 4D, the festive season can amplify risk-taking behaviour.
Experts have long warned that gambling driven by superstition rather than financial planning often leads to losses. While buying a small number of lottery tickets for fun is common, repeated and high-volume betting can quickly become problematic. This is especially relevant as Singapore continues to promote responsible gambling through public education and regulatory safeguards.
Online reactions to the story have been mixed. Some sympathised with the man, noting how persuasive fortune tellers can be, especially when they appear confident and authoritative. Others were less forgiving, stressing that personal responsibility cannot be outsourced to superstition.
A reminder to approach “lucky tips” with caution
Whether fully accurate or exaggerated, the story has resonated with many Singaporeans because it reflects a familiar scenario. Every festive season, stories emerge of people chasing lucky numbers, auspicious signs and predictions of sudden wealth.
Ultimately, the case serves as a reminder that fortune-telling should be treated as entertainment rather than financial advice. Gambling outcomes remain governed by probability, not predictions. As several commenters bluntly put it, “If fortune tellers were always right, they wouldn’t need to sit at a stall.”
As Chinese New Year celebrations continue, the episode stands as a timely warning: luck cannot be bought, and chasing it too aggressively may come at a high price.