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“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”

HK

“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”
HK

HK

“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”

2026-04-30 19:35 Last Updated At:19:39

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (30 April) officially opened the “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” at Tai Kwun in Central, kicking off a series of celebratory activities to commemorate half a century of the Mark Six lottery. Over the past 50 years, the Mark Six has brought hope to countless members of the community, while delivering significant contributions to Hong Kong society. These activities are also part of the Club’s Year of the Horse Campaign.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The opening ceremony of the ten day “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition”, held under the theme “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”, was officiated by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government, together with Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of beneficiary organisations and the Club’s Board of Management.

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Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine. Visitors can explore the lottery’s history and better understand its enduring mission of contributing to society over the past five decades.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government, said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare. He thanked the Club for its significant contributions to long-term prosperity, stability and development of the city. He expressed his hope that Mark Six would continue to gather the community’s goodwill, so that every small act of generosity converges into a powerful force, driving the sustained development of welfare initiatives, keeping the spirit of compassion alive and helping to build a more caring and inclusive Hong Kong.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, explained that the Club launched the Mark Six in 1976 to assist the Government in curbing rampant illegal street gambling known as “Che Fa”, and to channel the public demand for betting into a legal and regulated channel for the benefits of Hong Kong community.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects.”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

“In the past five years, the Lotteries Fund has focused its resources where they matter most – half of its funding, around HK$10 billion, goes to elderly services, nearly a third to rehabilitation, around HK$5.6 billion, and the rest to family and child welfare, social welfare and youth support, around HK$4 billion, totaling HK$19.5 billion. This means that the most vulnerable in our community – our seniors, those living with disabilities, families in need, and young people facing challenges – are directly benefiting from these projects.”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

“Through Mark Six, those who need help the most are given not just care, but hope, dignity, and a better quality of life. All these projects were made possible through the unique integrated business model and values and purpose of the Club. Our values are centred on having the highest integrity, which has enabled us to channel gambling demand effectively and has built trust in the community. Combined with our purpose for the betterment of society, this model creates economic and social value in the form of tax and duty to the Government, employment, proceeds to the Lotteries Fund as well as charitable donations.”

“But even as I speak to you now, illegal gambling operators are targeting Hong Kong people – many of them youngsters – through social media. They are advertising illegal websites offering gambling on a huge variety of sports, as well as casino games and illegal lotteries. Clearly this is a problem that needs urgent action. We need to protect our community and we need to ensure that the Club can continue to support it through tax contributions and charities donations – and through the Mark Six.”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

Since its launch in 1976, Mark Six has remained highly popular among the public. In particular, the introduction of Snowball draws in 1985, has attracted widespread anticipation and participation. In response to public demand, the number of Snowball draws has been increased over the years, with up to 12 now being held annually. The First Division Prize has also continued to reach new heights. The first Mark Six 50th Anniversary Snowball draw* will be held on Saturday, 2 May, 2026, with the First Division Prize Fund estimated at HK$228 million^, the highest in Mark Six history.

Please [click here] to visit the campaign website for details of the “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition”, including key milestones of the Mark Six, its profound societal significance, fascinating fun facts, and its remarkable 50-year journey with Hong Kong.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong. It also promotes tourism as well as equine and sports development. Racing is not only the city’s favourite pastime, but also a symbol of its “can-do” spirit and stability under One Country, Two Systems. Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city. None of this would be possible without the horse. For more information please visit https://hkjc.com/YOTH.

*Customers who bet must be aged 18 or above

^ Estimated First Division Prize Fund for a single HK$10 winning unit

The annual Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade took place today (19 June), attracting hundreds of visitors and residents to celebrate one of the city’s unique traditions. Originating more than a century ago as a way to ward off plague and purify the community, the Water Parade is inscribed on the third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported it since 2012, helping to preserve and promote a cherished local tradition.

Guests fire the ceremonial cannon at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Guests fire the ceremonial cannon at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

The opening ceremony was held at the Tai O Promenade, officiated by David Lam, Acting Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; Anita Fung, Club Steward; Wu Jiahao, Deputy Director of New Territories Work Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Ryerson Ip, Assistant District Officer (Islands) of the Islands District Office of the HKSAR Government; Judith Ng, Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the HKSAR Government and Fan Sum-kee, Chairman of the Joint Association of Traditional Dragon-Boats in Tai O.

David Lam, Acting Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government (3rd right); Anita Fung, Club Steward (3rd left); Wu Jiahao, Deputy Director of New Territories Work Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (2nd right); Ryerson Ip, Assistant District Officer (Islands) of the Islands District Office of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Judith Ng, Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the HKSAR Government (1st left) and Fan Sum-kee, Chairman of the Joint Association of Traditional Dragon-Boats in Tai O (1st right) at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

David Lam, Acting Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government (3rd right); Anita Fung, Club Steward (3rd left); Wu Jiahao, Deputy Director of New Territories Work Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (2nd right); Ryerson Ip, Assistant District Officer (Islands) of the Islands District Office of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Judith Ng, Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the HKSAR Government (1st left) and Fan Sum-kee, Chairman of the Joint Association of Traditional Dragon-Boats in Tai O (1st right) at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Club Steward Anita Fung said that the Trust’s support for the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade has helped to maintain an important piece of national intangible cultural heritage as well as enabling the younger generation to appreciate its cultural significance. This year, three traditional dragon boats supported by the Trust made their debut, injecting new vitality into this century-old tradition.

Club Steward Anita Fung delivers a speech at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Club Steward Anita Fung delivers a speech at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Club Steward Anita Fung (right) presents souvenirs to participating organisations.

Club Steward Anita Fung (right) presents souvenirs to participating organisations.

Since the inscription of the Water Parade onto the Third National List of ICH more than a decade ago, the Trust has donated over HK$9.5 million to support the event, including funding the construction of dragon boats, programme arrangements, manpower support and educational programmes. This year’s event brought together over 320 dragon boat paddlers and 160 volunteers and attracted hundreds of visitors. In addition to the Water Parade, educational activities helped deepen public understanding of its heritage and encourage younger generations to participate.

Three traditional dragon boats supported by the Club made their debut.

Three traditional dragon boats supported by the Club made their debut.

The Trust has long supported the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, encouraging public and youth participation through a diverse range of initiatives. In addition to the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, this includes the current Hong Kong ICH Month, as well as other local traditional events on the national heritage list: the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival. Since 2010, the Trust has donated over HK$167 million to support these ICH events and related educational programmes. These initiatives align with the HKSAR Government’s Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 and the National 15th Five-Year Plan, as different sectors of society work together to contribute to the country’s development.

Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

The Club’s support for the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.

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