Pick 3 is a fun and simple game to play, and one that has been enjoyed by millions of players since it was launched all the way back in 1975. Nevertheless, you may have some questions about how it works. Check out the FAQs below for more information.
Drawings are held twice every day - there’s a Midday draw at 12:59 p.m. and an Evening draw at 10:57 p.m. Drawings are not held on Christmas Day.
You must purchase tickets for the Midday draw by 12:53 p.m., or for the Evening draw by 10:53 PM.
To play Pick 3, you must choose three numbers between 0 and 9, select a bet type and decide how much to wager. You can also add Fireball and/or Instant Match if you wish.
You can play a Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Wheel or Pair. Each one has different requirements for how you need to match the winning numbers. Go to the How to Play page to learn exactly what you need to do for each one.
The prize you can win depends on your bet type. If you play a Straight, for example, the payout is 500x your wager amount. All the prize amounts are fixed.
You can choose from the following wager amounts on a Pick 3 playslip - $0.50, $1, $2, $3, $4 or $5.
Yes. From time to time, when sales are particularly strong, some numbers may be unavailable to play because there have already been so many wagers on that particular three-digit combination and the NJ Lottery only has so much money to pay out winners.
The odds of winning also depend on how you decide to play. Your chances of winning on a Straight, for example, are 1 in 1,000, but you can find better odds by choosing a different play type. Go to the Odds and Prizes page for more details. You can also boost your odds by adding Fireball to your ticket.
Fireball is an optional feature that doubles the cost of a play. A fourth number, known as the Fireball, is selected in every draw. If you play the Fireball option, you can replace any of the three main numbers with the Fireball to potentially create a winning combination for yourself. Head over to the Fireball page to learn more.
For an extra $1 per play, you have the option to add Instant Match to Pick 3. This gives you the chance to win up to $500 on the spot. The Instant Match page outlines exactly how it works.
Yes, you can enter your numbers into as many as seven consecutive drawings.
If you win a Pick 3 prize, you must claim it within one year of the draw taking place.
You can claim prizes of up to $599.50 from authorized lottery retailers in New Jersey. For larger amounts, you will have to fill out a claim form and mail it in, along with your winning ticket, to the New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, P.O. Box 041, Trenton NJ 08625-0041.
Yes, you can play in New Jersey if you don’t live in the state, for example if you are visiting on business or vacation. However, you should remember that you’ll have to claim any prizes you win from the New Jersey Lottery. You don’t be able to claim in another state.
Yes – unless you are buying an Instant Match ticket - but you must cancel at the time of purchase. It can’t be canceled at a later time.
