About Lottery Hongkong
The government of Hong Kong has been giving away free airline tickets to travelers in a bid to revive the tourism industry. The “Hello Hong Kong” campaign began on Thursday and has cost the city around $250 million, according to CNN. The free tickets will be distributed among the city’s three airlines: flag carrier Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express. Travelers can enter the flight ticket lottery starting March 1 through the World of Winners international airport page. Those interested should be aware that the flights will be allocated in three waves. First, travellers from Southeast Asia will be able to apply in March and April, followed by residents of mainland China from May to June. Then, the giveaway will open up to travelers worldwide.
Smugglers are trying to use Mark Six lottery tickets to send money out of Hong Kong, Chinese media outlet HK01 reports. Customs officers seized more than 16,000 tickets during an anti-smuggling operation last week after intercepting a river vessel on a routine patrol. They found that about 600 tickets had already qualified for prizes worth around HK$70,000 (US$8,918) each. The winning tickets are now being held by the Customs and Excise Department. Officials believe they are being resold in Macau and mainland China.
The top prize for a single Mark Six ticket is HK$24 million, which can be won by matching all six numbers. The HKJC, which runs the lottery, pays out winnings in two ways: a cash lump sum or a cheque. Those who receive a cheque can make a claim at any off-course HKJC betting branch, while those who prefer a lump sum must visit the main office of the HKJC for more information.