Singapore lottery players are once again eyeing their lucky numbers as the Toto jackpot swells to an estimated S$10 million, marking the first “cascade draw” of the year. While the odds of striking it rich remain slim, the unusually large prize has reignited interest across the island, with punters hopeful that this could finally be their moment.
The jackpot reached the S$10 million mark after three consecutive Toto draws since January 19 produced no Group 1 winners. With no ticket matching all six winning numbers, the prize pool continued to snowball, triggering the cascade draw mechanism that Singapore Pools applies once the jackpot crosses a fixed threshold.
Unlike regular Toto draws, this upcoming draw will take place at a later time. The numbers will be drawn on January 29 at 9.30pm, about three hours later than the usual 6.30pm schedule. As a result, betting will close at 9pm, giving hopeful participants more time to place their bets.
This is the first cascade draw of 2026, following 12 such draws throughout 2025. The most recent cascade draw occurred on November 6 last year, when the jackpot similarly failed to find a Group 1 winner across multiple rounds.
How the Toto Cascade Draw Works
A cascade draw comes with an important twist that changes how prizes are distributed. If there are no Group 1 winners in the January 29 draw, the S$10 million jackpot will not roll over again. Instead, the entire prize pool will be shared among Group 2 winners, meaning players who match five numbers plus the additional number could walk away with a significant payout.
This structure ensures that the jackpot does not continue growing indefinitely and guarantees that the prize money is eventually paid out. Historically, cascade draws have resulted in large numbers of Group 2 winners receiving sizeable sums, sometimes reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of Singapore dollars per ticket.
Despite the excitement, lottery officials and statisticians are quick to remind players that Toto remains a game of chance. The probability of winning the Group 1 prize is still extremely low, even during a cascade draw. Nevertheless, the possibility of a shared windfall continues to attract casual and regular players alike.
Why Big Jackpots Drive Player Frenzy
Large lottery jackpots tend to generate heightened interest, not just because of the life-changing sums involved, but also due to the psychological appeal of “now or never” draws. In Singapore, cascade draws often see increased foot traffic at Singapore Pools outlets and higher online betting activity as players rush to submit entries before the later closing time.
For some, buying a Toto ticket is less about rational expectations and more about entertainment and hope. The idea that “someone has to win” keeps the dream alive, even when players openly acknowledge the odds are stacked against them.
Whether the S$10 million prize goes to a single lucky winner or is split among multiple Group 2 winners, the January 29 draw is set to be one of the most closely watched Toto events in recent months. For most players, the outcome will likely be disappointment — but for a fortunate few, it could mean a sudden and dramatic change in fortune.