Mark Six Draw Features "Birthday Combination" with Over 130,000 Winners

Hong Kong's Mark Six lottery draw on February 24, 2026, produced a classic "birthday combination" that led to a massive surge in winners and a significant payout burden for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).

The winning numbers were 2, 3, 4, 10, 13, 23 (main balls) with extra number 12—all falling between 1 and 31, making them popular choices for players using birth dates or months as their selections. This pattern, often called a "birthday combination," triggered widespread wins across lower tiers.

• First prize (6 numbers): 1 winning ticket, HK$8 million.

• Second prize (5 + extra): 13.5 shares, each HK$79,160.

• Third prize (5 numbers): 246.5 shares, each HK$19,200.

• Fourth prize (4 + extra): 854.5 shares, total payout nearly HK$8.2 million.

• Fifth and sixth prizes combined: Around HK$9.53 million.

• Seventh prize (match 3): 108,347.9 shares (82.7% of all winning tickets), total nearly HK$4.34 million.

In total, more than 130,000 tickets won prizes across all tiers, achieving a win rate of about 2.9% based on the draw's betting turnover of approximately HK$45.83 million (assuming HK$10 per ticket).

The prize fund available after deductions (25% betting duty, 15% lottery fund, 6% HKJC commission) was HK$24.74 million (54% of turnover). However, the actual total payout exceeded HK$35.87 million, forcing the HKJC to dip into reserves for at least HK$11.12 million to cover the shortfall—described as a major "bleed" compared to recent draws.

The "birthday effect" has occurred before, often inflating lower-tier wins and payouts. No jackpot rollover was mentioned, as the first prize was claimed in full.

The HKJC continues to operate Mark Six under strict regulations, with proceeds supporting charitable causes and community projects. Players are reminded that lotteries involve chance, and responsible gambling is encouraged.