Pick 3 FAQs
Use these FAQs to learn about Pick 3, the exciting online game which gives you the chance to win up to €500 three times a day, every day. Once you’re up to speed on how the game works, you can bet on Pick 3 online.
What is Pick 3?
Pick 3 is an online game in which you have to match three numbers between 0 and 9. Draws take place three times a day and you can win up to €500 in each one. The format is very popular in the United States and now it’s available online for players in other countries around the world, including Ireland.
How do I play?
To play Pick 3, first select three numbers between 0 and 9. Unlike other lotteries, you can also choose between various play types – including Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Pair and Combo.
Once you’ve picked your numbers you have to decide which draw to enter. You may even want to play all three. Finally, choose how much to wager on your entry. Go to the How to Play Pick 3 page to learn more.
What time do the draws take place?
Pick 3 takes place every day at 1:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm, and the winning numbers are available on the Results page shortly after.
What is a ‘Straight’ bet?
A 'straight' is a type of bet in which you attempt to match the three winning Pick 3 numbers in the exact order they’re drawn.
What are '3-way' and '6-way' bets?
Some play types offer different prizes and different odds of winning depending on which combination of numbers you choose. For example, if you pick two identical numbers and one different number – 112, for instance – that would be a 3-way bet, as there are three possible combinations of those numbers (112, 121, 211).
When you pick three different numbers, that’s a 6-way bet as there are six possible combinations of your chosen numbers (e.g. 123, 132, 213, 231, 312, 321). The odds of winning a 6-way bet are better because there are more possible combinations to hit, but the payouts are also lower than those for a 3-way bet.
What’s the difference between a Straight/Box and Combo bet?
With a Straight/Box bet, half of the stake goes on a Straight bet and the other half on a Box. You win just the Box bet if you match the winning numbers in any order, or you can win both parts of the bet by matching the numbers in the same order.
When you play a Combo, you pick three numbers and then pay for a Straight bet for each possible combination of your numbers. This is the most expensive type of bet but also slashes the odds of winning from 1 in 1,000 (the odds of winning a standard Straight bet) to 1 in 333 for a 3-way Combo and 1 in 167 for a 6-way Combo.
How much does it cost?
You can choose how much to pay for Straight and Box bets: play with a €0.50 bet or with a €1 bet. The price of a Combo bet works out as the total cost of each Straight combination you play, so it can be €1.50, €3 or €6, depending on the amount you have wagered and whether it is a 3-way or 6-way selection.
Can I choose my numbers in stores?
Pick 3 is available exclusively online. The good thing about that is your numbers will be stored in your online player account, so you don’t need to keep your playslip safe, and you’ll be notified if you win a prize.
Can I play outside of Ireland?
Yes, Pick 3 is available online in Ireland and many other countries around the world.
How old do I have to be to play?
You must be at least 18 years of age to play Pick 3.
How do I find out if I’ve won?
There are several different ways to find out. Firstly, you’ll receive a notification prompting you to log in to your online player account and check out your winnings. You can also refer to the Pick 3 Results after each game or enter your numbers into the Pick 3 Checker to see if you’ve won anything.
What are the odds of winning?
The odds of matching the three winning numbers in the exact order are 1 in 1,000, as there are 1,000 possible combinations. The odds otherwise vary depending on which play type you choose - go to the Prizes and Odds page to learn more.
How can the same number appear more than once in a winning set?
The same number can appear more than once because each of the three winning digits is selected from a different field of 0 to 9. You can also choose the same number more than once in a bet.
What happens if nobody wins the top prize?
There are no rollovers in Pick 3. Prizes stay the same for every draw even if there are no winners.
