However, even big figures like Confucius cannot crank out more lucky dogs among lottery buyers in Shandong. As of yesterday, only one second prize of 30,000 yuan had been awarded, according to Tang.

Several versions of tickets from the lottery center of Shandong are printed with the region's characteristics, according to articles posted on the center's official website.

It has issued lottery tickets featuring kites made in Weifang city, characters in the novel of Shuihu and ancient vehicles excavated in the province.

Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher who prodded his fellow countrymen to seek their fortunes in a decent manner.[File photo]

"The Confucius-themed lotteries are the country's most real culture-centered tickets," wrote Tang in an article before the introduction of the lottery. "Its cultural content will erect a milestone in the development of our country's lotteries."

In the interview with China Daily, he shrugged off criticism from outside the province, saying the use of Confucius' image is no different from any other cultural-themed tickets, such as novel characters and antiquities.

"Fundamentally, it's just the same," he added.