chap ji ki Form of gambling. The term chap ji ki literally means ‘12 units’ in Hokkien. Chap ji ki is a type of lottery in which a gambler bets on a combination of two numbers from one to 12, in either a vertical or horizontal format. In the horizontal format, the gambler is paid providing that both numbers are picked (order is of no consequence). The payout for the vertical format, where one figure is placed above the other, is double— both figures, and their order of arrangement, must be correct. There is no limit to the size of the bet. Though the rules of chap ji ki changed over the years, winnings could be as high as 50 times the amount invested. For the vertical format, a bet of 50 cents could yield returns of up to $50.

Up until the 1960s, when gambling was banned in Singapore, chap ji ki was a popular game, especially amongst housewives. It was a well- organized operation in which specific runners would handle transactions according to their allocated areas. Bets, which were written on small pieces of paper, were rolled up and given to the runners. No names or phone numbers were necessary, as the parties knew each other by sight. The betting slip would typically contain such information as the ‘chosen’ numbers in the preferred format, and several noughts to denote monetary values. A big zero with a horizontal line through it would represent 50 cents, whilst a diagonal line signified $1. A smaller zero meant 10 cents.

Bets would be collected from around Singapore and brought to a central chap ji ki location, where the numbers would be drawn. The winning numbers would be publicized at noon each day, often written in coloured chalk on a wall. The syndicate’s runners would present winners their money, minus a commission of 4 per cent.

Although chap ji ki has been banned in Singapore for over four decades, it has not been totally eradicated. The game continues to be played today, albeit covertly, with transactions taking place mostly in coffee shops and food centres. Commissions for runners have also risen to 5 per cent of winnings.