Think lining up overnight for an iPhone launch is bad? Try snagging a new iPhone 4S in Hong Kong, where Apple recently implemented a lottery system in an effort to combat scalping. If you're in Hong Kong and want the newest iPhone iteration, forget waking up early to be the first person outside an Apple Store — the company doesn't sell any to walk-in customers. You have to first join a lottery on the company's website and then win before you can even be eligible to buy a unit.
line up:排队
implement：实施；执行
scalping：抽头转卖；黄牛
walk-in：未经预约而来的；轻易获得的胜利
The recent iPhone 4S launch in mainland China was riddled with scalpers, and one particular incident in Beijing even turned into a brawl fest. This new system is super strict, with the lottery remaining open to entries for only three hours each day. Winners get an email before 9 PM, and they can claim their iPhone 4S units the next day provided they have a government-issued photo ID with the same name and serial number they submitted to the lottery.
No word yet on whether Apple will implement this lottery system elsewhere, though it may subsequently be used in places where scalping is rampant.
rampant：猖獗的；蔓延的；狂暴的；奔放的
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