Pick 3
3 digits (0-9)Min 1 · Max 25
About Pick 3
Pick 3 is Pennsylvania's most popular draw game and has been running since 1977. Choose three digits from 0–9, repeats allowed, and select a play type (Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combo, or Front/Back Pair). Draws run twice daily, midday and evening, with wagers starting at $0.50.
Tips for Playing Pick 3
- Combo play purchases every Straight combination of your three digits in a single ticket, giving you better coverage at a higher cost. For three different digits, that means 6 Straight bets. For a double (e.g., 1-1-2), it means 3 bets.
- Front Pair covers the first two digits in exact order; Back Pair covers the last two. These are cheaper than a full Straight play and useful when you are more confident about two of the three positions.
- The most common mistake with Pick 3 is forgetting to confirm your play type at the counter. The numbers generated here are always valid; your play type choice happens at the retailer.
Pick 3: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Pick 3 Straight odds?
The odds of a Straight win are 1 in 1,000. There are exactly 1,000 possible three-digit combinations from 000 to 999, and each Straight play covers one of them exactly. Box play covers more combinations at lower individual odds, but pays a smaller prize.
What is the difference between a 3-way box and a 6-way box?
A 3-way box contains two of the same digit (e.g., 1-1-2) and has 3 possible orderings (1-1-2, 1-2-1, 2-1-1). A 6-way box uses three different digits (e.g., 1-2-3) and has 6 possible orderings. The 6-way box pays less per win because it covers more combinations, but it also wins on more drawn results.
What is Combo play in Pick 3?
Combo play automatically purchases every possible Straight combination of your three digits in a single transaction. For three all-different digits (a 6-way Combo), that means 6 separate Straight bets at $1 each, totaling $6. For a double digit (a 3-way Combo), it's 3 bets totaling $3. Combo guarantees a Straight-level prize regardless of what order your digits come out in the draw, but at a proportionally higher cost.
What is Straight/Box play in Pick 3?
Straight/Box splits a $1 wager into $0.50 on Straight and $0.50 on Box. If your digits match in exact order, you win both the Straight portion and Box portion, a higher combined payout than Box alone. If your digits match in any other order, you win only the Box portion. Straight/Box only applies when at least two of your three digits are different.
How do Front Pair and Back Pair work in Pick 3?
Front Pair requires your first two digits to match the first two drawn digits in exact order. The third drawn digit is irrelevant. Back Pair requires your last two digits to match the last two drawn digits in exact order. Both Pair types have odds of 1 in 100 (the same as a Pick 2 Straight) and pay $50 on a $1 wager. They're useful when you're more confident about two positions than all three.
What is the minimum wager for Pick 3?
Pick 3 accepts wagers as low as $0.50. At $0.50 Straight, the prize on a win is $250 instead of the $500 paid for a $1 Straight wager. Most play types support the $0.50 minimum, making Pick 3 very accessible for players on a tight budget.
When does Pick 3 draw and how often?
Pick 3 draws twice daily: midday at approximately 12:40 PM ET and evening at approximately 6:59 PM ET, seven days a week. Two draws per day means more opportunities to play and check results. Confirm current draw times and ticket cut-offs with your retailer.
Play Responsibly
Lottery play is entertainment. Set a budget before you play and treat ticket purchases as the cost of that entertainment, not an investment or income strategy. No number generator, system, or selection method can change lottery odds. If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available 24/7:
- PA Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
This site is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Lottery. Always verify draw times, ticket prices, and official rules at palottery.state.pa.us.