PICK-3

- Frequently asked questions

What is PICK-3?

PICK-3 is a daily draw lottery game that gives players a chance to play three of their favourite numbers, ranging from 0 to 9, either by Straight Play or Box Play.

How much does a PICK-3 ticket cost and how do you play?

PICK-3 tickets cost $1, $2, $5 or $10 per play, depending on the amount you want to wager.

What is PICK-3 straight play and PICK-3 box play?

Straight Play is matching all three of the digits in the exact order they’re drawn. Box Play is matching all three digits in any order. If the 3-digit number you select uses the same digit three times (e.g. 111, 222, 333), it’s valid for Straight Play only.

What is the top prize and what are the odds of winning?

See PICK-3 odds and payouts here.

How many sets of three numbers can I play at once?

You can play up to five sets of three numbers on each ticket, whether by QUICK PICK or selection slip, and can play up to 10 draws in advance.

What percent of PICK-3 sales are awarded as prizes?

PICK-3 is expected to pay approximately 50% of sales to players.

How are the PICK-3 numbers drawn?

The PICK-3 numbers are drawn by random number generator.

When did PICK-3 first go on sale in Ontario?

PICK-3 tickets went on sale January 16, 1989.

Do I have the option of purchasing PICK-3 tickets in advance?

Yes, players can purchase up to 10 draws in a row.

Can I purchase ENCORE on my PICK-3 ticket?

Yes, ENCORE is available to be played with PICK- 3.

When are the PICK-3 draws held?

The MIDDAY draws are held shortly after 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) each day. The EVENING draws are held shortly after 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Tickets sold before 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the MIDDAY draw. Tickets sold after 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) and until 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the EVENING draw. Tickets purchased after 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the next draw.

How will I know whether my PICK-3 ticket is valid for a MIDDAY draw or for an EVENING draw?

The draw date and "MIDDAY" or "EVENING" will be printed on the ticket. When checking to see if they have won prizes, players should always be sure that their tickets were valid for the MIDDAY and/or the EVENING draw. Tickets sold before 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the MIDDAY draw, tickets sold after 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) and until 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the EVENING draw. Tickets purchased after 10:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be valid for the next draw.

How will I know whether my ENCORE selection is for a MIDDAY or EVENING draw?

The draw date and "MIDDAY" or "EVENING" will be printed on the ticket. When checking to see if they have won prizes, players should always be sure that their tickets were valid for the MIDDAY and/or the EVENING draw. ENCORE sales with a PICK-3 purchase made before 2 p.m. are valid for the MIDDAY ENCORE draw, and ENCORE sales after 2 p.m. are valid for the EVENING ENCORE draw. Check your ticket to be sure.

Can I buy a PICK-3 ticket for an EVENING draw before 2 p.m.?

Tickets for PICK-3 that are sold before 2 p.m. are valid for the MIDDAY draw. Advance Play is available for up to 10 consecutive draws. You can only enter the EVENING draw before 2 p.m. by purchasing an Advance Play ticket for a minimum of two draws.

Is Advance Play available on the PICK-3 MIDDAY draw game?

Yes, Advance Play is available for up to 10 consecutive draws, not days. The advance option will factor in MIDDAY and EVENING draws. (i.e., a ticket purchased for two draws will include one MIDDAY draw and one EVENING draw - or in reverse order - dependent upon what time of day the ticket was purchased).

What is PICK-3 slipless play?

Slipless Play is a convenient way to play your PICK-2 selection. Slipless Play allows players to choose their numbers for PICK-3 without having to fill out a selection slip. Customers can tell their lottery retailer which numbers they want to play and the retailer can enter the numbers into the lottery terminal for them.

I bought a PICK-3 slipless play ticket and the retailer entered the wrong number. Can I cancel the ticket?

Please verify your ticket after purchase. If there is an error with your Slipless Play selection, let your retailer know right away. As with all draw lottery tickets, Slipless Play selections may be cancelled up to 30 minutes after they have been printed. Please notify your retailer immediately if you wish to cancel your ticket.