Pick 3 NJ offers players two daily drawings with multiple bet types and prize levels. The game runs every day including holidays. Players select three digits from 0 to 9 and can wager between fifty cents and five dollars per play.
How to Play Pick 3 NJ
Players choose three numbers ranging from 000 to 999. The selection process works in two ways.
Manual selection involves filling out a play slip at authorized retailers. Quick Pick generates random numbers automatically through the terminal system.
Tickets are sold at licensed locations across New Jersey. Online purchases remain unavailable for this game.
Pick 3 NJ Drawing Schedule
The state lottery conducts two separate drawings each day. Both drawings occur seven days per week.
| Drawing | Time | Sales Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| Midday | 12:59 PM EST | 12:53 PM EST |
| Evening | 10:57 PM EST | 10:53 PM EST |
Ticket sales stop six minutes before each drawing. This allows the lottery system to process final entries.
Pick 3 NJ Bet Types
Five distinct betting methods provide different winning conditions. Each style affects both odds and potential payouts.
Straight Bet
Straight requires matching all three digits in exact sequence. This bet type offers the highest payout but lowest winning probability.
A player selecting 456 wins only if the drawing produces 456 in that exact order.
Box Bet
Box bets win when digits match in any arrangement. Two variations exist based on digit patterns.
Three-way box applies to numbers with two identical digits like 112. Six-way box covers numbers with three unique digits like 456.
Straight Box Combination
This wager combines both straight and box bets in one ticket. Players win the straight prize for exact matches and the box prize for any order matches.
Minimum bet starts at one dollar due to the dual nature of this wager type.
Wheel Bet
Wheel betting covers every possible arrangement of selected numbers. The system automatically generates all combinations.
Cost multiplies based on total combinations covered. Three-way wheels cost three times the base wager while six-way wheels cost six times.
Pair Betting Options
Pair bets focus on matching two specific digits. Three positions are available for pairing.
Front Pair matches the first two numbers. Back Pair targets the last two digits. Split Pair covers the first and third positions.
Pick 3 NJ Prizes and Winning Odds
Prize amounts vary based on wager type and bet amount. The state operates a pari-mutuel system for certain bet types.
Standard Prize Structure
| Bet Type | $0.50 Prize | $1.00 Prize | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | $250 | $500 | 1 in 1,000 |
| 3-Way Box | $80 | $160 | 1 in 333 |
| 6-Way Box | $40 | $80 | 1 in 167 |
| Front Pair | $25 | $50 | 1 in 100 |
| Back Pair | $25 | $50 | 1 in 100 |
| Split Pair | $25 | $50 | 1 in 100 |
Winning Probability Comparison
Higher wagers produce proportionally larger prizes. Players betting five dollars receive ten times the base prize amount.
Fireball Feature in Pick 3 NJ
Fireball adds another dimension to standard gameplay. The lottery draws one additional number after the main three digits.
Players can substitute the Fireball digit for any position in their original numbers. This creates three new number combinations for each ticket.
Adding Fireball doubles the total wager cost. A fifty-cent base bet becomes one dollar with Fireball enabled.
Fireball Prize Adjustments
Fireball prizes differ from standard awards. The increase in winning chances corresponds with reduced payout amounts.
Straight bets with Fireball pay ninety dollars on a fifty-cent wager compared to two hundred fifty dollars without it.
Instant Match Option
Instant Match provides immediate winning opportunities separate from the main drawing. Players pay one extra dollar per play for this feature.
The terminal generates five random two-digit numbers printed on the ticket. Matching any of these numbers to the drawing results wins instant cash.
Prizes range from two dollars to five hundred dollars depending on the matched combination.
How to Claim Pick 3 NJ Winnings
Prize redemption procedures depend on the amount won. Small prizes follow a simple process at retail locations.
Prizes Under $600
Winners collect amounts below $599.50 at any licensed retailer. Validation occurs through the terminal system.
Retailers pay winners immediately from their cash drawer. No additional paperwork is required for these amounts.
Prizes $600 and Above
Larger winnings require claim forms and identity verification. Winners must complete official documentation.
The New Jersey Lottery headquarters in Trenton processes these claims. Winners can mail forms or submit them in person.
Processing time varies but typically completes within several weeks. Direct deposit options may be available for certain amounts.
Multi-Draw Purchase Options
Players can buy tickets for multiple consecutive drawings in advance. The system allows up to seven future drawings per purchase.
This feature maintains the same number selection across all entries. Wager amounts and bet types remain consistent throughout.
FAQs
What time are Pick 3 NJ drawings?
Drawings occur twice daily at 12:59 PM and 10:57 PM EST. Ticket sales close six minutes before each drawing time.
How much can you win on Pick 3 NJ?
Maximum prizes reach $500 for straight bets on one dollar wagers. Higher bet amounts increase prizes proportionally up to $2,500 on five dollar tickets.
Can you buy Pick 3 NJ tickets online?
Online ticket purchases are not available. Players must visit authorized retail locations to buy Pick 3 NJ tickets in person.
What are the odds of winning Pick 3 NJ?
Odds range from 1 in 100 for pair bets to 1 in 1,000 for straight bets. Box bets offer intermediate odds of 1 in 167 or 1 in 333.
Does Pick 3 NJ include Fireball?
Fireball is an optional add-on that doubles ticket cost. It draws an extra number allowing substitutions to create additional winning combinations.
