The majestic Weissenhaus estate has been owned by nobles, survived a devastating fire and hosted world leaders. Its striking castle, white facade illuminated by the glow from the windows, sits on the banks of the Baltic, in northern Germany. A golden frieze stands out against the dark, pitched roof.
In a big barn opposite the castle, a crowd has gathered. On stage is a towering man, the owner of Weissenhaus. Jan Henric Buettner, lit by red lights against a dark curtain, grips the back of a large, transparent table. He tips hundreds of numbered lottery balls down a slide, where they cascade into an orb-like bowl.
At the invitation of the host, I dip into the cluster and pluck out a sphere. Number 328