How to Play Pick 4. Pick 4 is a four-digit game from the South Carolina Education Lottery. Pick 4 drawings are held every evening at 6:59 and aired live on local television stations. Midday drawings are not televised and are held Monday through Saturday afternoons at 12:59. No midday drawings are held on Sundays or on Christmas Day. How to Play Pick 4. Pick 4 is a four-digit game from the South Carolina Education Lottery. Pick 4 drawings are held every evening at 6:59 and aired live on local television stations. Midday drawings are not televised and are held Monday through Saturday afternoons at 12:59. No midday drawings are held on Sundays or on Christmas Day. There are 18 exciting ways to play and win Cash 4. For an explanation and description of each option and its payouts, consult the Odds & Prizes tab. How much do you want to play? Play Cash 4 for $.50 or $1.00! A $1.00 play can win up to $5,000 and a $0.50 play can win up to $2,500. Mark the amount you wish to play in each play area.
Win 4 gives you the option to play in different ways and for a variety of cash prizes. There are two draws every day. The first takes place at 2:30pm Eastern Time, and the evening draw is held at 10:30pm EST. Ticket sales close just before each game starts and you can see the latest winning numbers on the results page shortly after each draw has been completed.
How to Play Win 4
To play Win 4, select four numbers from 0 to 9. You can either choose your own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick to have them randomly selected. It costs $0.50 or $1 per play and the amount you pay determines how much you can win.
You also have to decide on your play type, and there are different options depending on whether you want to try and increase your chances of winning or go for a larger prize. See below for more information about the different ways you can play.
If you already have a Win 4 ticket from a drawing in the previous 30 days, you can ask to play it again and you will be given an identical entry for the next drawing. You can also play the same numbers for up to 14 draws in advance.
- Find your nearest official New York Lottery retailer
- Choose four numbers between 0 and 9 or opt for a Quick Pick
- Select a play type
- Decide whether you want to enter the midday or evening draw, or both
- Keep your ticket safe
- Check the latest results page to see if you're a winner!
Play Types, Prizes and Odds of Winning
You can select from the following play types when you buy a ticket for Win 4. Each one offers different ways to win and different prize amounts.
Straight
By playing a straight, you're aiming to match the winning numbers in the exact order they are drawn. For example, if your chosen line is 1234, you can only win if the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are drawn in that order.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize (per $0.50 play) | Prize (per $1 play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 10,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Box
The objective of a box play is to match the winning numbers in any order. Box plays also break down into four different options, each of which offers different odds of winning and different prizes:
- 4-Way Box – Pick a number with three identical digits. For example, 1119.
- 6-Way Box – Pick a four-digit number with two identical pairs. For example, 5566.
- 12-Way Box – Choose a number with two identical digits, such as 1123.
- 24-Way Box – Choose a number with four unique digits. For example, 1234.
The prizes awarded for a box play change depending on which type you choose, as the odds of winning vary. For example, it is easier to win with a 24-way box than it is with a 4-way box, as there are more possible combinations to match, so the size of the prizes on offer differs accordingly.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize (per $0.50 play) | Prize (per $1 play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Way Box | 1 in 2,500 | $600 | $1,200 |
| 6-Way Box | 1 in 1,667 | $400 | $800 |
| 12-Way Box | 1 in 833 | $200 | $400 |
| 24-Way Box | 1 in 417 | $100 | $200 |
Straight/Box
If you opt for a straight/box, you are playing both a straight and a box play at the same time. You pay $1, split between both game types ($0.50 for a straight and $0.50 for a box). If you match the numbers drawn in the exact order, you win with both plays. If you match all the winning numbers, but not in the correct order, you win the box play only.
For example, if you play a 4-way box and match the numbers in the right order, you win the $2,500 prize for matching the straight, as well the $600 box prize. If you match all the numbers but not in the correct order, you just win the $600 box prize.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize For Exact Match (Straight + Box) | Prize For Any Other Match (Box) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Way Box (3 digits the same) | 1 in 2,500 | $3,100 | $600 |
| 6-Way Box (2 identical pairs) | 1 in 1,667 | $2,900 | $400 |
| 12-Way Box (2 digits the same) | 1 in 833 | $2,700 | $200 |
| 24-Way Box (4 different digits) | 1 in 417 | $2,600 | $100 |
Combination Play
With this play type, you cover all the possible straight combinations within one set of numbers. Just like a box play, you can either opt for a 4-way, 6-way, 12-way or 24-way combination, but the difference is you will be paying more to play and the potential rewards are bigger.
For example, if you play a 4-way combination and choose the numbers 1119, you will also play every other combination of those numbers: 1191, 1911 and 9111. You can pay either $0.50 or $1 per combination, with bigger prizes on offer for the larger stake. If you choose to play a 4-way combination, for example, you can pay a total of $2 – $0.50 for each of the four combinations played – for the chance to win $2,500, or double your stake to $4 for the chance to win $5,000.
You can select from the following play types when you buy a ticket for Win 4. Each one offers different ways to win and different prize amounts.
Straight
By playing a straight, you're aiming to match the winning numbers in the exact order they are drawn. For example, if your chosen line is 1234, you can only win if the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are drawn in that order.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize (per $0.50 play) | Prize (per $1 play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 10,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Box
The objective of a box play is to match the winning numbers in any order. Box plays also break down into four different options, each of which offers different odds of winning and different prizes:
- 4-Way Box – Pick a number with three identical digits. For example, 1119.
- 6-Way Box – Pick a four-digit number with two identical pairs. For example, 5566.
- 12-Way Box – Choose a number with two identical digits, such as 1123.
- 24-Way Box – Choose a number with four unique digits. For example, 1234.
The prizes awarded for a box play change depending on which type you choose, as the odds of winning vary. For example, it is easier to win with a 24-way box than it is with a 4-way box, as there are more possible combinations to match, so the size of the prizes on offer differs accordingly.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize (per $0.50 play) | Prize (per $1 play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Way Box | 1 in 2,500 | $600 | $1,200 |
| 6-Way Box | 1 in 1,667 | $400 | $800 |
| 12-Way Box | 1 in 833 | $200 | $400 |
| 24-Way Box | 1 in 417 | $100 | $200 |
Straight/Box
If you opt for a straight/box, you are playing both a straight and a box play at the same time. You pay $1, split between both game types ($0.50 for a straight and $0.50 for a box). If you match the numbers drawn in the exact order, you win with both plays. If you match all the winning numbers, but not in the correct order, you win the box play only.
For example, if you play a 4-way box and match the numbers in the right order, you win the $2,500 prize for matching the straight, as well the $600 box prize. If you match all the numbers but not in the correct order, you just win the $600 box prize.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize For Exact Match (Straight + Box) | Prize For Any Other Match (Box) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Way Box (3 digits the same) | 1 in 2,500 | $3,100 | $600 |
| 6-Way Box (2 identical pairs) | 1 in 1,667 | $2,900 | $400 |
| 12-Way Box (2 digits the same) | 1 in 833 | $2,700 | $200 |
| 24-Way Box (4 different digits) | 1 in 417 | $2,600 | $100 |
Combination Play
With this play type, you cover all the possible straight combinations within one set of numbers. Just like a box play, you can either opt for a 4-way, 6-way, 12-way or 24-way combination, but the difference is you will be paying more to play and the potential rewards are bigger.
For example, if you play a 4-way combination and choose the numbers 1119, you will also play every other combination of those numbers: 1191, 1911 and 9111. You can pay either $0.50 or $1 per combination, with bigger prizes on offer for the larger stake. If you choose to play a 4-way combination, for example, you can pay a total of $2 – $0.50 for each of the four combinations played – for the chance to win $2,500, or double your stake to $4 for the chance to win $5,000.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Minimum Cost ($0.50 per combination) | Prize (at minimum cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Way Box (3 digits the same) | 1 in 2,500 | $2 | $2,500 |
| 6-Way Box (2 identical pairs) | 1 in 1,667 | $3 | $2,500 |
| 12-Way Box (2 digits the same) | 1 in 833 | $6 | $2,500 |
| 24-Way Box (4 different digits) | 1 in 417 | $12 | $2,500 |
Pair Play
In Pair Play, you just have to select a two-digit number, and then choose whether you want to try and match the front pair or the back pair of the winning line. You must decide at the point of entry which pair you are playing.
- Front Pair – Pick two numbers and win if you match the first two digits of the winning line. For example, if you select the numbers 1 and 2, you win if the first two digits of the winning number are 12, regardless of what the remaining digits are.
- Back Pair – Pick a two-digit number and win if you match the last two digits of the winning number. For example, if you select 34, you win if the final two digits are 34, regardless of what the first two winning numbers are.
| Game Type | Odds of Winning | Prize (per $0.50 play) | Prize (per $1 play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Pair (First 2 digits) | 1 in 100 | $25 | $50 |
| Back Pair (Last 2 digits) | 1 in 100 | $25 | $50 |
Claiming Win 4 Prizes
If you win a prize up to and including $600, you can claim the money from any New York Lottery retailer. Prizes of a larger value must be claimed at one of the New York Lottery's Customer Service Centers.
All prizes over $5,000 are subject to federal and state taxes, regardless of where you live. Residents of New York City and Yonkers will also have to pay a local tax on their winnings. Consult with a tax advisor for clarification regarding your own tax situation.
PLAY 4®: Play your lucky four-digit number
Play 4 is a daily numbers game in which you pick your favorite 4 digit number, then you choose a bet amount and bet type. You can play your favorite numbers DAY or NIGHT or BOTH.
Play up to seven drawings in advance.
Minimum bet per Play 4 game is 50¢.
Box your number or play it straight!
Check out the Prizes & Odds page for a detailed explanation of each bet type.
Play 4 Lottery Delaware
Day drawings are Monday – Saturday at 1:58 p.m. Play up to 1:40 p.m.
Play 4 Lottery Numbers
Night drawings are seven days a week at 7:57 p.m. Play up to 7:30 p.m.
To play, fill out a playslip:
Play 4 Lottery For Tonight
- Mark your drawing time: DAY, NIGHT or BOTH (remember to use blue or black ink or a pencil). No DAY or NIGHT Drawing on Sunday.
- Mark the number of drawings you want to enter, up to seven. To enter today's drawing only, leave this section blank.
- To enter future drawings, mark one or more days, up to a week in advance.
- You can play up to five games on each playslip. For each game you want to play, it's as easy as ...
- Mark four numbers, one in each column, from 0 to 9.
- If you make a mistake, check the VOID box and use the next game panel; don't erase.
- If you want the computer to pick numbers for you, mark the Quick Pick box.
- Mark the amount you want to bet: 50¢ or $1.
- Mark the bet type you want:
- Box: Play any 4-digit number. Must match winning numbers in any order.
- Straight/Box: Combines a 50¢ Straight bet and a 50¢ Box bet for a number on the same ticket. The combined wager is $1.
- Combination: The same as 4, 6, 12 or 24 Straight bets, multiplied by the bet amount.
- Check out the Prizes & Odds page for a detailed explanation of each bet type.
- To enter your PLAY 4 bets, give your completed playslip to the Retailer or you may use a PHD terminal.
- The computer processes your playslip and issues your tickets. Your Retailer will tell you the total amount. Hold on to your tickets; you'll need them if you win!
- Remember to always check your ticket before leaving the Retailer location.
- The Lottery reserves the right to limit sales of tickets for bets on any specific number at any time.
You may also give your selections to the Retailer and they will manually entered them in to the Lottery terminal. Always check your ticket before leaving the Retailer location. Tickets for Play 4 may be canceled only if presented before the drawing to the Retailer where it was originally purchased with the exception of tickets produced by a PHD terminal.
