Hopeful punters queued outside Hong Kong’s famed “luckiest” betting station in Central on Monday, chasing a HK$68 million jackpot in the Mark Six draw after seven consecutive rollovers.
Around 30 people were already waiting before the Stanley Street off-course betting branch opened. The branch has sold 47 first-prize winning tickets since 1994, cementing its reputation among lottery regulars.
Among those in line was Lau, an office worker in Central, who bought three quick-pick tickets randomly generated by computer.
“I’ve never won the Mark Six, but I usually buy tickets when the jackpot reaches the tens of millions,” he said, adding that he would share any winnings only with his family — and keep it a secret by continuing to work.
Lau said he dreams of traveling the world, especially to Europe or the Arctic. “It’s all about visiting places I rarely get a chance to go,” he added.
Another office worker, Wu, spent HK$55 on two quick-pick tickets, using family birth dates for his number selection.
Hoping to end the no-winner streak, Wu said a jackpot win would help him tick off several goals, including buying a flat and taking his family to Japan or Southeast Asia.
A retiree surnamed Lam said it is his routine to place a bet whenever he passes through Central.
He spent HK$2,000 on partial entries of HK$5 each. “It’s already great to win a few hundred thousand,” he said.
Having traveled extensively, Lam said he prefers to spend his spare time playing mahjong or betting on horse races. He added that part of his gambling habit includes donating some money to charity.
Lam’s biggest win to date was over HK$100,000, though he admitted he has no strategy.
“I just buy tickets and leave them be. If I win, I transfer it to my account; if not, I just see it as doing a good deed,” he said.
According to Hong Kong Jockey Club statistics, the “lucky numbers” drawn most often in past Tuesday draws include 13, 20, 23 and 28 — each appearing nine times.
Ticket sales for the Lucky Tuesday Snowball close at 9.15pm on Tuesday (Nov 25), with the draw scheduled for 9.30pm.
Mark Six tickets are available at all off-course betting branches, via telephone betting — including the 1886 automated service — and through digital channels.
