Hong Kong Lottery
Hong Kong Lottery, also known as Mark Six, is a lottery game run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). It offers seven prize levels, including a top jackpot that starts at a guaranteed HK$10 million. The first and second prizes are fixed, while the rest of the prize money is based on ticket sales. If no one wins the top prize, it rolls over to the next draw, and grows in size each time until there’s a winner.
To play the lottery, players choose six numbers from 1 to 49. They can either select them on their own or use a Quick Pick option that randomly chooses the numbers for them. In addition to the six main numbers, there’s a Bonus Ball that’s drawn as well. The winnings are paid out as a tax-free lump sum. Players can claim their prize money 60 days after the drawing at HKJC branches, offices or online.
The Hong Kong lottery has been around since 1975, and it’s become a staple in the city’s culture. It is also the most popular form of gambling in Hong Kong. However, it’s not without its naysayers who warn of its dangers as an entree into gambling addiction. Proceeds from the lottery go to fund charities and community projects in the city. In the 2009-2010 financial year, the Jockey Club Charities Trust donated HK$1.52 billion to 107 different charity organizations and community projects. The money is used to promote sports, healthy living and education as well as entertain the locals.