A life-changing red packet awaits a couple of lucky Singaporeans – or just one – this week, when the winning numbers for this year’s Toto Hongbao draw are announced on Friday (Feb 10).
With a jackpot of $12 million up for grabs, even the once-a-year punters will be tempted to join in the fun.
Singapore Pools outlets across the island will extend their operating hours for the draw, while there will also be lion dance performances at 41 outlets.
Here are some stories from The Straits Times archives that just might help you clinch that winning combination.
HOW TOTO WORKS
Having gone through several changes since it was launched in Singapore in 1968, the Toto Game’s present incarnation (updated in 2014) calls for punters to pick at least six numbers between 1 and 49.
Six winning numbers and an additional number are drawn for each draw, and a cash prize is guaranteed if at least three chosen numbers are included in the six winning ones.
All six chosen numbers must match the winning numbers in order for a punter to win the jackpot (Group 1 prize), which can be shared among multiple winners.
TWO WINNERS FOR LAST YEAR’S $13.9 MILLION HONGBAO JACKPOT
The winning numbers were 16, 18, 20, 21, 27 and 49. The additional number was 23.
Last year’s Toto Hongbao Draw carried the biggest ever prize pot of $13.9 million, with the two winning tickets bought at a Livewire outlet in Marina Bay Sands and Ng Teo Guan Self Service at Block 301, Ubi Avenue 1.
QUEUING FOR A SHOT AT INSTANT WEALTH
Last year’s draw understandably drew scores of punters to Singapore Pools outlets, with some even travelling across the island to so-called “luckier” outlets.
The Straits Times spoke to the hopefuls who stood patiently in the queue for a shot at instant wealth.
INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC: LOCATE LUCKY OUTLETS AND CHECK OUT WINNING NUMBERS
Wondering which numbers to buy? Know which Singapore Pools outlet has sold winning tickets more once?
Our graphic contains all the statistics you need – stretching back to the start of the Hongbao draw in 2000.
DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WINNING THE JACKPOT
Past draws do not determine what numbers will come out next – every draw is independent and a fresh start, according to a statistician from the National University of Singapore.
We break down the odds of winning the draw, depending on whether you purchase an Ordinary Bet, System 7, System 10 or System 12.
This article was first published on Feb 7, 2017.
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