The Inside Scoop on Marks Six Lottery

Overview

The Mark Six Lottery is a 6 out of 49 lotto game which is conducted by HKJC Lotteries Limited, a subsidiary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The minimum first division jackpot is set at HK$5 million and as there is no maximum jackpot limit it can frequently grow to become in excess of $60 million.

The Mark Six draw is held three times a week (normally on the nights of Tuesday, Thursday and non-racing Saturday or Sunday) and is broadcast on live television. Players choose six numbers from 49 numbers and each selection costs $5. Seven numbers are drawn from a drum. The seventh and final ball is known as the 'extra number'.

Part of the revenue from the Mark Six lottery is used for charitable purposes. The probability of winning a prize from Mark Six are not a good as some lotteries around the world and are approximately 1 in 53.655.

Lottery Schedule

Drawings for this lotto are held on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

How to Play

Each Mark Six entry is $5 and there are several types of entries available. With a single entry you chose six different numbers from 1 through 49. With a multiple entry, you choose seven or more different numbers from 1 through 49. With a banker entry you choose one to five number(s) from 1 through 49 as banker(s) with other numbers selected as legs. Or, finally, you can choose a quick pick and selections will be randomly generated by a computer.

Lottery age Limit

You have to be over the age of 18 to participate.

Participating Countries

The following countries participate in Mark Six: Hong Kong.

Prize Structure

There are seven prize divisions.

1. All six drawn numbers
2. Five drawn numbers and the extra number
3. Five drawn numbers
4. Four drawn numbers and the extra number
5. Four drawn numbers
6. Three drawn numbers and the extra number
7. Three drawn numbers

Division 1 through 3 are pari mutuel and if there are multiple winners for a division, the prize is shared. Divisions 4 through 7 are set. Division 4 wins $4,500, division 5 wins $320, division 6 wins $160 while the last division wins $20.

Grand Prize

HK$5,000,000 Hong Kong Dollar.

Jackpots

When the first and second prize divisions are not paid out, the money will be added to the jackpot in the next draw. If there is again no winner in the next draw, the process will continue until it is finally hit. 

A certain percentage of each draw is also deducted and put into a Snowball Pool which is added to the first division prize pool on various occassions during the year such as public holidays or festivals. These draws are called Snowball Draws.

Notable Wins

There have been many, many 8 figure jackpots won at Mark Six.

Distribution of Revenue

If the jackpot is not hit, the funds rollover to the following draw. A total of 45% of the money raised is returned to players in the form of prizes, 25% is for lottery duty to be paid to the government, 15% is dedicated to the Lotteries Fund which finances social welfare capital projects and finally 6% is to cover operating costs.