The hongkong lottery has long held a special place in the hearts of many Hong Kong citizens. The lottery has become a staple of daily life, with the winnings from the games used to finance everything from home ownership to medical care. However, the lottery isn’t without its critics. Some argue that the lottery lulls people into dangerous gambling addiction and disproportionately taxes low-income residents. Others argue that the lottery provides a healthy alternative to excessively expensive social entertainment. Ultimately, the answer to this debate is nuance and balance, and finding a delicate balance in which gamblers can enjoy modest diversion without risking their financial future.
The Hong Kong Mark Six lottery is a 6 out of 49 lotto game run by HKJC Lotteries Limited, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Each draw has seven prize levels, with the winning numbers automatically selected from a machine that contains balls numbered from 1 to 49. The final number, known as the “special number” in Chinese, is drawn from the same machine as the other six winning numbers. The lottery is conducted three times a week (normally Tuesday, Thursday and non-racing Saturday or Sunday) and is televised live.
HKJC Lotteries conducts the Mark Six lottery through its outlets in Hong Kong, including the Happy Valley and Sha Tin racecourses as well as more than 100 off-course betting branches. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at all of these locations. Tickets cost HK$10 per bet, and players may select any six numbers from the range of 1 to 49. Winners receive a proportion of the total advertised prizes depending on how many numbers they match.
With jackpots often reaching tens of millions of dollars, the lottery is one of the most popular national lotteries in the world. The craze for the lottery is felt by all socioeconomic classes, from working-class factory workers to educated middle-class professionals. For the impoverished, whose bleak living conditions make a fortune almost impossible to attain, a win on the Mark Six is often viewed as a potential escape from endless work and unattainable home ownership.
A new ad campaign from HKJC Lotteries is focusing on the unique features of the lottery and its ability to make dream purchases within reach. The new advertisement demonstrates that the numbers add up, and features photos of real-life people who’ve made a significant difference to their lives through the lottery.
HKJC’s latest promotion also highlights the importance of education and community development, with a prize fund that’s allocated to various educational, social, and environmental causes. The charity prize pool has raised more than HK$537 billion since 1987, and the lottery has helped to improve the welfare of Hong Kong’s citizens. The proceeds from the sale of tickets are donated to 107 charities and community projects.