How to Play Pick 3

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to play Pick 3 and maximize your winning potential.

1. Understand the Basics: Bet types, Stakes, Prizes and Winning Odds

Before diving into Pick 3, it’s helpful to get familiar with a few essential details. As the name suggests, this lottery game involves picking three numbers from 0 to 9.

In Pick 3, you can place bets with a stake of either £0.50 or £1 for most bet types, with the exception of combo bets. The prize payouts are directly proportional to your chosen stake. Combo bets, which cover all straight combinations of three digits, have different entry costs. A 3-way Combo costs £1.50 or £3, while a 6-way Combo costs £3 or £6.

The table below outlines the prizes available for each bet type and bet amount, as well as the corresponding winning odds. It’s important to note that prizes in the Pick 3 game are fixed amounts. This means that the prize value is determined solely by the player’s stake and bet type chosen, not influenced by the total number of participants.

Bet Type	Prize for £0.50 bet	Prize for £1 bet	Winning Odds
Straight	£250	£500	1 in 1000
Box (3-way)	£80	£160	1 in 333
Box (6-way)	£40	£80	1 in 167
Straight/Box (3-way)		£80/£330	1 in 333 / 1 in 1000
Straight/Box (6-way)		£40/£290	1 in 166 / 1 in 1000
Combo (3-way)*	£250	£500	1 in 333
Combo (6-way)*	£250	£500	1 in 167
Front Pair	£25	£50	1 in 100
Back Pair	£25	£50	1 in 100

Bet types in Pick 3:

• Straight – To win a Straight bet, the numbers you select must appear in the exact order as the winning numbers.
• Box – A Box bet allows you to win if your three numbers match the winning ones in any order. There are two types: the 3-way combination, where two numbers are the same and one is different (e.g., 334), and the 6-way combination, where all three numbers are different (e.g., 567).
• Straight/Box – This bet splits your wager between a Straight and a Box bet. You win both parts if your numbers are drawn in the exact order. If the numbers match but appear in a different order, you win only the Box portion.
• Combo – A Combo bet covers all possible Straight outcomes for your three selected numbers. If any combination of your numbers is drawn, you win the Straight prize.
• Pairs – You bet on either the first two or the last two numbers. You need to decide whether you’re betting on the front pair or the back pair, and your two numbers must match the winning ones in the correct sequence to win.

2. Decide on a Playing Strategy for Pick 3

Although Pick 3 is a game of chance, many players choose to follow a strategy to improve their odds or enhance their enjoyment of the game. Various strategies can be considered, from consistently selecting the same numbers to joining a syndicate.

Learn more about how to plan your play and develop your personal strategy on our strategies and tips page.

3. Know the Draw Frequency and Time of Pick 3

Pick 3 draws take place every day at 1pm, 6pm and 9pm. It’s important to be aware of the draw frequency and schedule to ensure you don’t miss any draws and can plan your bets efficiently.

4. Find Out How to Purchase Your Pick 3 Tickets

Pick 3 is exclusively available online, meaning tickets cannot be purchased from retail stores. You can safely purchase your Pick 3 tickets online from the Pick 3 official operator Jackpot.com. You will need to create an account or sign in to an existing one to deposit funds and pay for your bets.

5. Select Your Numbers, bet type and stake

To place a bet, first specify your bet type, which can be a Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Pairs, or Combo. Next, select three numbers from 0 to 9, keeping in mind that for a Pair bet, you only need to choose two numbers. Then, decide how many bets you want to submit and how many draws you wish to enter. Finally, choose your desired bet amount.

If you prefer to leave the selection of numbers to chance, you can use our Pick 3 random number generator. This tool will provide you with completely random combinations for your bets, making it easy to participate without the hassle of picking your own numbers.

6. Wait for the Draw and Check Your Numbers

Once you have your bet placed, all that’s left is to wait for the draw. Check the Pick 3 results to ensure you don’t miss any winnings. If you prefer, you can use our online Pick 3 results checker: enter your numbers, and we’ll tell you instantly if you’ve won.

7. Claim Your Winnings

If you’re one of the lucky winners, congratulations! If you played by registering with the official Pick 3 operator Jackpot.com, you’ll receive an automatic email notification. Simply log in to your Jackpot.com account to withdraw your winnings directly to your bank or use them as credit for future bets.