TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Sports Lottery announced a record NT$64.3 billion (US$1.95 billion) in sales for 2024, the Sports Administration said Tuesday.

A surplus of NT$7 billion was allocated to the Sports Development Fund, setting a historic high. To boost engagement, the lottery will offer an expanded range of single-game and in-play betting options during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Since its launch in 2008, the Sports Lottery has seen substantial growth. During its first five and a half years, sales totaled NT$7.7 billion.

Over the subsequent 10 years, sales reached NT$407.8 billion. Now in its third operational phase, the lottery has already achieved NT$64.3 billion in sales in its second year of this phase.

Total sales are projected to exceed NT$502 billion by the end of 2033.

For the holiday period, an extensive lineup of events will be available for betting, including the NBA, the Australian Open, Europe’s top five soccer leagues, the National Hockey League, and American football. NBA enthusiasts can look forward to daily single-game and in-play betting opportunities.

Additionally, the administration mentioned that a new act was passed on Jan. 7 restructuring the Sports Administration. Under this new structure, a "1 ministry, 1 agency, 3 centers" model will be implemented to enhance national sports development.

The initiative aims to integrate sports into daily life across all age groups, enhancing national health, cultivating a robust sports industry ecosystem, and encouraging competitive athletics.