Lottery, Bingo & Number Games
Pick 3 lottery
A Pick 3 lottery is a daily numbers game where players select three digits from 0 to 9 and win by matching the drawn result according to the chosen play type.
Key points
- Players choose three digits from 0 to 9 and can wager as little as 50¢ or up to $5 per play.3
- A straight bet requires the digits to match the draw in exact order; a box bet wins if the digits match in any order.1
- Payouts vary by state: for example, Pennsylvania offers 500 to 1 on a straight play, while Florida pays $500 on a $1 straight wager.4
- Some lotteries also offer straight-box, pair and combo play types, giving more ways to win.5
- Pick 3 is distinct from Pick 4 (four digits) and Pick 2 (two digits), which are similar games with different digit counts.
Common Pick 3 play types
| Play type | Match condition | Example winning draw |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Exact order | 1-2-3 |
| Box (3-way) | Any order, two digits the same | 1-2-2, 2-1-2, 2-2-1 |
| Box (6-way) | Any order, all digits different | 1-2-3, 1-3-2, 2-1-3, 2-3-1, 3-1-2, 3-2-1 |
| Straight/Box | Combination: wins as straight or box | Straight if exact; box if any order |
| Pair | First two, last two, or split pair | 1-2-X, X-2-3, 1-X-3 |
How to play Pick 3
- Choose three digits from 0 to 9. You can pick your own numbers or use a quick pick for a random selection.
- Select a play type: straight (exact order), box (any order), or another variant like straight/box or pair.2
- Decide your wager, typically 50¢ to $5 per play.3
- Wait for the draw. If the three drawn digits match your selection according to your chosen play type, you win a prize based on the published payout table.
Common questions
How does pick 3 lottery work?
You pick three digits from 0 to 9 and choose a play type, such as straight (exact order) or box (any order). The lottery draws three digits; if they match your selection per the play type, you win a prize.1
What's the pick 3 lottery number?
The Pick 3 lottery number is the three-digit result drawn in the most recent drawing for your state's game. Each state publishes its winning numbers daily on its official lottery website.
What was pick 3 lottery last night?
The Pick 3 lottery numbers from last night's draw are available on your state lottery's official website or mobile app. Results vary by jurisdiction and draw time.
What was the pick 3 lottery yesterday?
Yesterday's Pick 3 winning numbers can be found on your state lottery's official site, often in a results archive. Each state runs its own game, so check the correct jurisdiction.
Where this term is used
Not the same as
- Lottery — the broader category of games of chance, while Pick 3 is a specific three-digit draw format within that category6
Related terms
Sources
- Texas Lottery - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Defines Pick 3 lottery and its play types.
- New Jersey Lottery - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Provides alternative names and play type details.
- Florida Lottery en.wikipedia.org Gives Florida Lottery payout examples.
- Pennsylvania Lottery - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Provides Pennsylvania Lottery payout examples and wager ranges.
- Iowa Lottery - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Supports payout examples and play types for Iowa.
- Numbers game - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Distinguishes Pick 3 from the broader lottery category.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.