Hong Kong's record $16.5 million jackpot draws massive crowds
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) off-course betting terminals are witnessing long lines as a record HK$128 million ($16.47 million) is up for grabs. As per media reports, the Central betting branch customers are facing wait times of over 40 minutes to purchase tickets.
Speaking to , a Hong Kong resident Yan Yau, who had queued for nearly an hour, said she was confident about her odds with the Stanley Street branch’s blessings. The Stanley Street branch is known as the ‘luckiest’ in the city, having sold 47 first-prize tickets.
The woman said, “I’ve been here to buy a ticket whenever there is a special occasion … I wouldn’t be here if I were not confident.”
“I plan to buy houses and cars [if I win the prize] and will also help those in need.”
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old man said he went to the betting centre because of its high winning rate. He said, “I will spend HK$100 or so … of course, I want to win the top prize, but it is impossible.”
Tickets will be available for purchase until 9:15 pm, with the draw scheduled for 9:30 pm.
This jackpot follows a recent January 2 draw that had no first-prize winners, even after the prize reached HK$100 million ($12.86 million).
The HK$128 million prize is the highest in the history of Hong Kong’s Mark Six lottery, with the draw scheduled for 9:15 pm on Tuesday.
During the 2023/2024 season, the HKJC saw HK$304.9 billion ($39.23 billion) in total bets, including HK$8.5 billion ($1.1 billion) on the Mark Six Lottery, a 13.3% increase compared to the previous year. The lottery generated HK$3.9 billion ($501.73 million) in revenue during this period.
The operates Hong Kong’s only horse racing and football betting services, along with the Mark Six lottery, which it has managed since 1975.
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