New York Pick 4 FAQs
We’ve put together a comprehensive set of New York Pick 4 FAQs to help you find the answers to all your Pick 4 questions. Want to know what the different wager types are? What time the New York draws take place? Or perhaps you’d like to know how much is available to win? You can find the answers to all those questions and more, right here on this page.
What is NY Pick 4?
Also known as Win 4, Pick 4 is a popular lottery game played across a number of states. Each state operates its own version, with slight differences. You're currently on the website for the New York game!
When do Pick 4 Drawings take place?
This game is fast-paced, with two daily drawings: a Midday drawing at 2:30 PM ET, and an Evening drawing at 10:30 PM.
What time do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales close at 2:15 PM for the Midday draw, and at 10:20 PM for the Evening draw. Tickets purchased after the cutoff are automatically entered into the next applicable drawing.
How can I win a prize in Pick 4?
To win a prize in Pick 4, you need to match the drawn numbers according to the conditions of the play-type you've played. Visit the
Ways to Play page for an in-depth description of the different ways to win.
What are the different play types?
There are a handful of different play types to choose from: Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combination, and Pairs. On top of this, the Box and Combination play types have different 'Ways' to play, which affects ticket cost and potential prizes. For a full explanation, we'd recommend reading over our
Ways to Play page.
How much does a Pick 4 ticket cost?
This depends on the type of play you make, and how much you choose to wager. The cheapest tickets cost $0.50, while the most expensive play you could make is a 24-Way Combination play, costing $24! There's a lot in-between, so we'd recommend checking out our
Odds and Prizes page for a full rundown.
How much could I win?
Prize amounts are fixed, and the max you can win is $5,000 – this can be achieved by matching all numbers in drawn-order, on a $1 Straight play type. For more prizes, head to the
Odds and Prizes page.
What are the odds of winning?
Your odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 10,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the smallest prize has winning odds of 1 in 100. Check the
Odds and Prizes page for more info.
Does Pick 4 have an age limit?
You must be 18 or over to take part in any New York lottery, including Pick 4.
Will my Pick 4 prize be taxed?
Any prizes greater than $600 will be taxed at both federal and state levels.
Can I play Pick 4 games in advance?
Using the "Number of days, if playing more than one" section of your playslip, you can enter your plays into the next 2 to 7 days' worth of drawings.
How are the draws conducted?
The winning numbers are selected using a mechanical draw machine. There are two sets of balls (for the Midday and Evening drawings), which are changed every month.
How can I claim my prizes?
You can claim prizes from authorized lottery retailers, or by mailing in your winning ticket to the New York Lottery, PO Box 7533, Schenectady, NY 12301-7533
How long do I have to claim my prize?
In New York, winners have a year from the date of the winning draw to claim their prize. After this time is up, the ticket is expired, and cannot be redeemed. Unclaimed prizes are returned to the prize pool, or transferred to the state.
What happens if my ticket is lost, damaged, or stolen?
Lottery tickets are regarded as 'bearer instruments', without which you cannot claim any prizes. If your ticket is lost, damaged, or stolen, you could try getting in touch with the New York Lottery for assistance, but don't count on it – it's better to keep your tickets safe in the first place.
