New Jersey Pick 3: FAQs

If you’ve got any questions about Pick 3, check below, because we’ve probably got the answer!

Question: When are the NJ Pick 3 drawings?

Answer: Pick 3 drawings are held twice every day. The Midday draw is at 12:59 PM and the Evening draw is at 10:57 PM (ET).

Question: What time do NJ Pick 3 sales close?

Answer: Pick 3 sales close at 12:53 PM for the Midday draw, and 10:53 PM for the Evening draw. You can still purchase tickets after the cutoff, but they will be for the next day’s draw.

Question: How do you play Pick 3?

Answer: Pick 3 is simple to play, but has a lot of depth. Start out by picking three numbers from 0 to 9. Next, pick a play type – this determines the conditions for how your numbers can win. Finally, select a wager amount, and decide whether to use the Fireball or play the Instant Match addons. You’re good to go! For a full, detailed guide, visit our NJ Pick 3 Guide.

Question: What are the different play types?

Answer: The Pick 3 play types determine how your numbers can win a prize. You can pick from Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Wheel, and Pair. For a full explanation of the different play types, head to our main NJ Pick 3 Page.

Question: What prizes are on offer?

Answer: For a $1 ticket, the top prize you can win is $500 by matching all the winning numbers in drawn-order on a straight play. In most states’ Pick 3 games, this is the top prize. However, New Jersey allows players to wager up to $5 on a single play, making the top prize a whopping $2,500! For a full breakdown of the prizes and odds, head to our NJ Pick 3 Prizes page.

Question: What are the different wager amounts?

Answer: Players can wager either $0.50, $1, $2, $3, $4, or $5, on their numbers. However, some play types such as Straight/Box and Wheel affect the ticket price in different ways. For a full guide, check the Play Types section on our main NJ Pick 3 page.

Question: Can I play my numbers in consecutive drawings?

Answer: Yes, using your playslip you can enter your numbers in up to 7 consecutive drawings.

Question: What is the Fireball, and how does it work?

Answer: The Pick 3 Fireball is an optional add-on that gives players extra chances to win, significantly increasing the odds. After the three winning Pick 3 numbers are drawn, a fourth number from 0 to 9 is drawn. Players can substitute any of the drawn numbers for the Fireball number to create new winning combinations. Fireball wins offer slightly lower prizes than usual, but it’s still a win! Adding the Fireball doubles the cost of your wager. Check the odds and prizes on our NJ Pick 3 Prizes page.

Question: What is the Instant Match add-on?

Answer: Instant Match is a Pick 3 mini-game you can play alongside Pick 3, which offers the chance to win up to $500 right there in the store. Players are assigned 3 random numbers from 0 to 9 with their ticket – these numbers each have a prize printed next to them. If any of the player’s chosen Pick 3 numbers match the Instant Win numbers, they win the prize, and can claim it instantly. Check the odds and prizes on our NJ Pick 3 Prizes page.

Question: What is the cut-off time for claiming prizes?

Answer: In New Jersey, lottery prizes must be claimed within 1 year of the winning draw date.

Question: How can I claim my prize?

Answer: Prizes up to $599 can be claimed from any NJ Lottery-authorized retailer. For bigger prizes, fill out a claims form and mail it in to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, P.O. Box 041, Trenton NJ 08625-0041 along with your winning ticket. This method can also be used if you aren’t currently in New Jersey.

Question: Can I play even if I’m not an NJ resident?

Answer: Absolutely! However, physical NJ Pick 3 tickets can only be purchased in New Jersey, and the prizes can only be redeemed in New Jersey.

Question: What can I do if my ticket is lost, damaged, or stolen?

Answer: Lottery tickets are ‘bearer instruments’ – as in, whoever ‘bears’ them has the right to claim them. So keep your tickets safe, sign them (so they can’t be redeemed by others if they are lost/stolen) and contact the NJ lottery directly if you need assistance with a ticket.