China is to halt computer lottery sales during the Spring Festival holiday from February 12 to 18.

The Ministry of Finance issued a notice stating that a comprehensive check and service of the computerized system for lottery sales will be carried out during the public holiday. People can still buy other kinds of lotteries that are not sold through computerized systems at this time.

The Ministry of Finance asked lottery authorities at all levelsto ensure there are smooth sales of other lotteries while the computerized lottery system is temporarily off service.

( Xinhua News Agency Janaury 23, 2002)