SINGAPORE - There are two winning entries for Friday's (March 2) $12 million Toto Hongbao draw.

One lucky punter took home half the prize, while the other winning entry - an iToto entry - was split among 28 shares.

The winning numbers - 37, 40, 31, 24, 28 and 49, with additional number 29 - were announced at 9.30pm to groans of disappointment and scattered cheers of some 300 gathered for the annual draw at the Singapore Pools Building at Middle Road.

Punters formed long queues at Singapore Pools outlets over the last few days in the hope of striking it rich on the last day of Chinese New Year.

The final amount for the Group 1 prize is $12,027,217. The jackpot amount is on par with last year's $12 million prize, but less than the record $14 million in 2016.

Lion dancers and a God of Fortune mascot greeted punters as they entered the building at about 8.30pm on Friday.

Mr Kaldeep Singh, 59, spent about $100 on Ordinary Quick Pick and System 7 entries.

"I'm close to retirement... I'd like to buy a bigger house and travel," said the baggage handling assistant.

Another punter who gave her name as Madam Lim said that she had hoped to win some money for her grandchildren but had no luck.

"It's okay, that's life. I only spent $2, and it was exciting to watch," said the 63-year-old retired tutor.

To play Toto, punters pick at least six numbers between one and 49. A cash prize is guaranteed if at least three of their chosen numbers are among the six winning ones drawn.

The jackpot Group 1 prize is won when all six numbers match. Last year, the top prize was shared among four winners.

The largest amount won by a single person in Toto was $9.5 million, when one ticket took top prize in February 2016.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of government-run lottery operator Singapore Pools, which was set up to provide a legal avenue for betting while serving as a source of charity funding in 1968. It launched the Toto game the same year.