How to Play Pick 3
Pick 3 simply requires you to choose three numbers between 0 and 9, but there are various play options and you can even decide how much you want to wager.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to help you play Pick 3 today, with detailed descriptions of all the bet types further down the page.
Drawings take place at 12:59 PM and 10:57 PM ET every day. The cut-off time for the Midday draw is 12:53 PM, and for the Evening draw you have to buy your tickets before 10:53 PM.
Choose your numbers
Start by selecting a three-digit number between 000 and 999. You can choose your own numbers or ask for a Quick Pick if you would prefer the lottery computer to generate a random set for your ticket.
Pick a bet type
Indicate how you want to play Pick 3. The options are Straight, Box, Straight/Box or Wheel. You can even play a Pair bet if you like, which only requires you to select two numbers. All the bet types are explained below.
Select your wager amount
Pick 3 allows you to decide on how much you want to wager per play, starting from $0.50. The other options on the playslip are $1, $2, $3, $4 and $5. The prize you can win is directly proportional to the amount you can wager.
Play multiple draws
You can play the Midday drawing, the Evening drawing or both, for up to seven consecutive days. Use the Multi Draw section of your playslip to specify how many drawings in a row you want to play.
Add Fireball
Mark Y for Fireball to add this feature to your play. A fourth number between 0 and 9 - the Fireball - is drawn after the first three. You can replace any of the main numbers with this Fireball to create new combinations, greatly increasing your chances of winning a prize.
Instant Match option
Include the Instant Match option to give you another chance to win before the draw even takes place. A set of numbers will be randomly generated on your ticket - accompanied by a prize value - and you win if any of these match the numbers you have selected.
Buy your tickets
You can either take your playslip to a retailer or insert it into a New Jersey Lottery self-service machine. Fireball doubles the cost of a play and Instant Match is an extra $1 per play. Both of these add-ons apply to all plays on your playslip.
Bet Types
The bet type you play determines your chances of winning and also the prize you can get. Here are the differences between each one.
Straight
To win a Straight bet, you have to match the numbers drawn in exact order. For example, if you play 123, you only win if the numbers appear in those same positions.
Box
This is a wager on your selected numbers being drawn in any order. If you play 123, for example, and the three digits are drawn as 321, you still win.
Straight/Box
Your wager is split in two, with half going on a Straight play and half on a Box. You win a prize for both parts of the wager if your numbers appear in that exact order, or just the Box prize if they are drawn in a different order.
Wheel
Every possible combination of your three digits is entered as a separate Straight wager. This means you get the same good odds as a Box, and the same big prize as a Straight. However, you do have to pay for each combination.
3-Way or 6-Way
For Box and Straight/Box wagers, the prize you can win depends on whether you play a 3-Way or 6-Way wager. For Wheel plays, this also affects the cost. Here’s the difference between them:
- 3-Way - Your three numbers include two identical digits and one that is unique, for example 112. This can be arranged ‘three ways’ – 112, 121 and 211.
- 6-Way – All three numbers are different, such as 123. This creates six possible combinations – 123, 132, 213, 231, 312 and 321. A 6-Way wager therefore has better odds of winning, but the payouts are lower for Box and Straight/Box plays.
Pairs
You can play a Pair bet and just select two numbers. This can be a Front Pair (first two numbers), Back Pair (last two numbers) or a Split Pair (first and last number). You must match both numbers in the correct position to win.
How to Win
To win a prize, you need to match the numbers as set out in the conditions for your bet type. There are no consolation prizes for getting fewer numbers. Visit the Odds and Prizes page to find out your chances of winning for each bet type, and the payouts on offer.
The combined Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are currently estimated at...
