New York Numbers Lotto FAQs

We’re a lottery website, so naturally we get asked a lot of questions about lotteries! You’re on our NY Numbers FAQ page – check below for an answer to all our most common queries.

Question: When do Numbers draws take place?

Answer: Numbers draws are held twice every day, the Midday draw is at 2:30 PM and the Evening draw is at 10:30 PM ET.

Question: Is Numbers the same game as Pick 3 from my home state?

Answer: Yep! Lots of states offer lotteries with the same basic rules as NY Numbers, and these are usually called Pick 3, or a similar variation. In fact, New York’s own Win 4 game also follows very similar rules to Numbers if you want to give that a try too!

Question: What are the latest winning numbers for NY Numbers?

Answer: You can check the latest winning numbers on our NY Numbers Results page.

Question: When are Numbers ticket sales cut-off before a draw?

Answer: You can buy Numbers tickets 24-hours a day. However, if you want to enter the next upcoming draw, get your tickets before 2:15 PM for the Midday draw, or 10:20 PM for the Evening draw.

Question: What are the different play types?

Answer: The play types in Numbers determine how your ticket can win. The play types are Box, Straight, Straight/Box, Pairs, and Combination – read all about them on our NY Numbers Guide.

Question: Can I pick the same number twice?

Answer: Yes – and in fact, this is an important part of the game, since it will affect your chances of winning, and the prizes on offer if you do win! Find out more on our NY Numbers Guide.

Question: How much does a Numbers ticket cost?

Answer: Numbers tickets can cost a few different amounts from $0.50 to $6, depending on the type of game you’re playing. Find out more on our NY Numbers Guide.

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

Answer: The top prize is $500, which you can win with just a $1 Straight play, with 1 in 1000 odds. For the best odds to hit the top prize, play a $6 Combination instead – your odds will be an amazing 1 in 167! Check the rest of the odds and prizes on our NY Numbers Prizes page.

Question: Is there an age limit to playing Numbers?

Answer: Yes, you can only play lotteries in New York if you are 18 or over.

Question: Will my Numbers prizes be taxed?

Answer: Although New York taxes lottery prizes over $600, the top prize in NY Numbers is $500 – so no, you don’t need to pay taxes on Numbers winnings.

Question: How can I claim my prize?

Answer: Prizes can be claimed at any NY Lottery authorized retailer, or you could mail your winning ticket along with ID to the New York Lottery, PO Box 7533, Schenectady, NY 12301-7533.

Question: How long have I got to claim my prize?

Answer: Prizes must be claimed within a year of the winning draw, otherwise the ticket will expire and the prize can no longer be claimed.

Question: What happens if my ticket is lost, damaged, or stolen?

Answer: Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do – it is the player’s responsibility to keep their ticket safe. Signing your ticket can help prevent others from redeeming it, and if you have the receipts there is a chance you can still claim your prize. Contact the NY Lottery directly if you are having one of these issues.

Question: What is the Instant Match add-on?

Answer: The Instant Match add-on gives players the chance to win up to $500 on-the-spot if their Numbers picks match any of the three random Instant Match numbers. This add-on costs $1 extra on top of the regular ticket price.