Hong Kong Lottery

Hong Kong lottery is a popular game in which players can win big prizes by matching numbers. The lottery is a form of gambling and can be addictive, so it is important to play responsibly. Always play within your means and never use money you cannot afford to lose. The proceeds from the lottery go towards charity and social welfare projects. However, the game has its naysayers, who say that it is a dangerous entree to gambling and may lead to addiction.

The first prize for a Mark Six ticket is usually around HK$8 million, with the second and third prize winnings increasing in size each time the jackpot rolls over. There is also an additional ‘Snowball Pool’ that adds to the prize pot on selected draws, which often coincide with unique festivals or public holidays.

Each lottery draw involves a transparent plastic cylinder filled with coloured balls numbered 1 to 49. The cylinder is rotated to mix the balls and randomise the drawing process. The winning numbers are then drawn by a machine every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9:30pm. Players are able to forecast which numbers will be drawn, and can choose to self-select their own selection or use a Quick Pick facility where the lottery retailer or computer will randomly select their numbers for them.

The HKJC announced on Tuesday that the Mark Six lottery would resume this month, nearly eight months after it was paused to combat COVID-19. It will continue to operate a weekly lottery, with one draw per week and a minimum first prize of HK$8 million.