Pick 3 FAQs
Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about playing Pick 3 in Illinois. Whether you want to know more about purchasing tickets in the Prairie State or how to claim prizes, take a look at the following FAQs.
When do draws take place?
There are two daily drawings every day apart from Sunday, when there is just an Evening draw. Day draws take place at 1:58 p.m., with Evening drawings at 7:57 p.m.
When is the cut-off time for tickets?
You can buy Pick 3 tickets until 12:35 p.m. or 9:15 p.m.
How do I play?
To play Pick 3 , select three digits from 0 to 9, choose a wager amount from $0.50 to $5 and select a play type – Straight, Box, Combo, Straight/Box, Front Pair or Back Pair. Find out more on the How to Play page.
What is a Straight play?
A Straight play is a wager on a specific three-digit combination being selected in that exact order.
What is a Box play?
A Box wager is just a prediction on which three numbers will be drawn, without specifying the order they will appear. You can play a 3-Way box or a 6-Way Box.
What’s the difference between a 3-Way and a 6-Way play?
A 3-Way play is one which contains two like numbers and one that is different (such as 112 or 700). A number combination such as this can be ordered three ways. A 6-Way play is one which has six possible combinations, and it includes three different numbers.
How do I play with Fireball?
All you need to do is select the Fireball option or request it from the retailer. It doubles the cost of your wager, but it gives you an extra chance to win a prize if you can replace any of the drawn numbers with the Fireball that is also selected as part of the draw.
How much can I win?
The most you can win is $2,500, if you wager $5 and play a Straight. Each style of play has its own fixed prize amount. Go to the Prizes page to see how much you can win for each one.
How are the winning numbers selected?
The winning numbers are selected using a digital draw system – a computerised mechanism that utilises two hardware-based random number generators.
Why can’t I always play with my favorite numbers?
From time to time, the Illinois Lottery may suspend ticket sales for certain number combinations. If sales were not monitored and a particularly popular combination ended up being drawn as the winner, the Lottery would not have the funds to pay out everyone, so it is sometimes necessary to restrict sales.
Tuesday's Estimated Jackpot
$70 Million
Time Remaining to Buy Tickets:
What is the minimum age to play?
You have to be at least 18 years old to play lotteries in Illinois.
Can I play if I don’t live in Illinois?
Yes, you can play if you are visiting the state but live elsewhere. However, you should be aware that prizes can only be claimed in the same state where a ticket is purchased.
How do I claim prizes?
You can claim prizes up to $600 from retail locations. Alternatively, you can claim by mail, visit a claim center or submit an e-claim.
How long do I have to claim prizes?
You have one year from the date of the draw in which to claim any Pick 3 prizes.
Where do profits from the lottery go?
The Illinois Lottery uses the revenue it generates to benefit public education, capital projects and various other special causes.
