If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong this summer, you may be in luck: The airport authority has purchased around 500,000 air tickets that will be given away to global visitors and local residents to help support the tourism industry. The flights will be on Hong Kong-based airlines Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines and will include airfare—although travelers will need to pay taxes and fees.
Known as Mark Six, the lottery is operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club – one of the world’s largest horse racing organizations. The game follows a similar format to the UK’s National Lottery with players choosing six numbers from 1 to 49, along with a bonus ball. Winning the jackpot requires matching all of the first six numbers, but lower division prizes can be won by matching fewer numbers or just the bonus ball.
The odds of winning the top prize, a hefty sum at just over HK$8 million (US$1.26 million), are about one in 13,983,816. The top prize has also been boosted by the addition of a ‘Snowball Pool’ on certain draws, usually those falling on unique festivals or public holidays.
The latest hongkong lottery results are published twice weekly at the official website and on TV. Both sites also offer 3, 4 and 5 number quick pick options. In the event no winner is declared for either the first or second prize, the money will be added to a jackpot and continue to grow until there’s a winner.