For just NT$50, everyone will get the chance to become a millionaire as the new computerized lottery tickets go on sale today at 2,500 authorized retailers around the country.
The idea -- based on the US lottery system -- allows participants to enter a six-digit number of their own choosing, or they can have the computer select numbers for them.
If all six digits match the winning number, the participant wins the jackpot. The chances of winning are about the same as uncovering a treasure chest while digging in your garden, at about 5.3 million to one.
The first weekly live broadcast of the winning numbers -- scheduled for the evening of Jan. 22 -- will pay a minimum top prize of NT$45 million (US$1.3 million). If there is no winner the amount can be rolled over five times for a top prize of NT$250 million (US$7.1 million).
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Authorized retailers across the nation will accept betting on the computerized lottery between 9am and 9pm every day.
Most of the appointed retailers are from disadvantaged groups, such as the physically challenged, Aborigines, single-parent families, and those with a low income. In addition, another 900 commercial establishments, including gas stations, banks and video-tape rental shops, will also sell the tickets.
Thirty-five percent of the profits from the lottery will be used to support social-welfare programs.
The new lottery, managed by Taipei Bank, will also begin sales of "scratch-and-win" tickets priced at NT$100 each, which will allow gamblers to immediately see whether they have won or not.
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