Punters surge to betting branches for 228 million-dollar of jackpot

Punters could take home a jackpot of 228 million dollars with a single 10-dollar winning unit, as the Hong Kong Jockey Club opens a second round of draw to marks its 50th anniversary of snowball.

On Saturday morning, a long line of punters were queuing outside the betting station on Stanley Street, Central, the branch that has produced 48 first prize lottery winners. A security staff stands at the entrance to manage the order.

The record jackpot of 228 million dollars is the reason why punters surge to the station early in the morning. And some came prepared. Including this man, who is the first one to arrive at the station, carrying a portrait of the God of Wealth. The punter says he will heads to another station in Tuen Mun later. Asked what they would do with the prize if they won, many say they would donate a portion to charities.

In the afternoon, a massive queue appears at another "lucky" branch -- the one at the Tuen Mun Town Plaza, where the recorded number of jackpot winners also stand at 48. Several Tuen Mun residents say they heard about the popularity of the branch and came to try their luck.

Punters have until 9:15pm to buy tickets if they wish to enter the draw, which will be held at 9:30.