The Florida Lottery Pick 4 is a popular numbers game that has been enjoyed by Floridians for decades. Pick 4 offers players a simple yet exciting way to win cash prizes up to $5,000. Twice a day, at 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm, the Florida Lottery draws four winning numbers between 0 and 9. If a player’s numbers match the draw in exact order, they win the straight prize. There are also several other ways to win prizes based on partial number matches. With prizes starting at just 50 cents for a $1 play, Pick 4 delivers affordable entertainment and the chance to win big. The game has created hundreds of thousands of winners over the years. Pick 4 is easy to learn and play, allowing both seasoned and first-time lottery players to get in on the action. Read on to learn more about how it works and tips for winning.
How Pick 4 Works
The Florida Lottery’s Pick 4 game is a daily numbers game where players choose four numbers between 0 and 9. There are twice daily drawings held at approximately 1:30 pm ET and 9:50 pm ET.
To play, you simply select four numbers. The order of the numbers does not matter, only that you match all four numbers drawn. For example, if you play “1-3-7-8” and the numbers drawn are “8-3-1-7” you still win.
Drawings are held every day, 365 days a year. Tickets can be purchased until 10:45 pm ET for the evening drawing. Tickets are $1 per play per drawing.
Pick 4 offers a nice balance of decent odds and payouts compared to other lottery games. Matching all 4 numbers has odds of 1 in 10,000 but pays out at least $2,500 on a $1 straight bet. The order not mattering is a big factor in the reasonable odds for Pick 4.
Prizes and Odds
The Florida Lottery Pick 4 game offers several prize levels depending on how many of the 4 numbers drawn match the numbers on your ticket.
- Straight: Match all 4 numbers in exact order – Odds are 1 in 10,000
- Box: Match all 4 numbers in any order – Odds are 1 in 2,500
- Straight/Box: Match 4 numbers in exact or any order – Odds are 1 in 5,000
- Front Pair: Match the first 2 numbers in exact order – Odds are 1 in 100
- Back Pair: Match the last 2 numbers in exact order – Odds are 1 in 100
The prize payouts for each match level are:
- Straight: $2,500 on $1 play
- Box: $600 on $1 play
- Straight/Box: $1,500 on $1 play
- Front Pair: $25 on $1 play
- Back Pair: $25 on $1 play
As you can see, matching all 4 numbers in the exact drawn order offers the biggest prize, but the odds are lowest. The other prize levels offer smaller payouts but better odds. Overall, the odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 8.
Ways to Play
The Florida Lottery Pick 4 game offers players various ways to play. This provides flexibility for players to customize their chances of winning. Here are the main play types:
Straight Play
With a straight play, you pick the exact four-digit number you hope will be drawn. For example, choosing “1-2-3-4” means you win if those four numbers are picked in that exact order. The odds of winning with a straight play are 1 in 10,000.
Box Play
A box play allows you to win if the four digits you choose are picked in any order. For example, boxing “1-2-3-4” means you win if 1,2,3,4 are drawn in any possible combination. Boxing numbers costs more than a straight play, but improves your odds to 1 in 2,500.
Combo Play
This play type groups together straight, box, and/or pairs plays on a single ticket. It gives you more chances to win in a single play. For example, a four-way combo could be 1-2-3-4 straight, 1-2-3-4 boxed, 1-2 and 3-4 front pair, 1-2 and 3-4 back pair.
Front / Back Pair Plays
You can play just the front or back two digits in exact order. So a front pair of 1-2 wins if the first two numbers drawn are 1 and 2. The odds for pair plays are 1 in 100.
Claiming Prizes
Pick 4 prizes can be claimed at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or at a district office. Prizes up to $599.50 can be redeemed at retailers, while larger prizes must be claimed at a district office.
To claim a prize under $600 at a retailer:
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Present your winning ticket to the retailer within 60 days of the winning draw date. Retailers cannot pay prizes for tickets that are more than 60 days old.
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The retailer will validate your ticket and pay you the amount you have won. They will provide you with a receipt documenting your winnings.
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You will need to complete a claim form and show a valid ID to claim any prize, no matter the amount.
To claim a larger prize at a district office:
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You have 180 days from the winning draw date to claim prizes over $600. Schedule an appointment at your nearest district office to begin the claims process.
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Bring your valid photo ID and winning ticket. The ticket will be validated in front of you.
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Complete a claim form and IRS W-9 form. For prizes over $5,000, the Lottery is required to withhold federal taxes at a rate of 24%. You will receive a W2-G form reporting your winnings to the IRS.
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You can choose to remain anonymous for prizes over $250,000 by claiming your prize through a trust. This avoids having your name and city of residence made public. Discuss options with a Lottery claims specialist.
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Decide on receiving your prize as a one-time lump sum cash payment or through an annual annuity. For the largest prizes, the cash option is generally 50% of the overall prize amount.
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After validation, you will receive a check for your prize amount within approximately 2-3 weeks. Congratulations on your Pick 4 jackpot!
Winning Strategies
There are a few popular strategies that regular Pick 4 players use to try and increase their odds of winning. While there is no foolproof method to guarantee a jackpot, some players swear by these approaches.
Hot and Cold Numbers
Some Pick 4 players only play “hot” numbers that have been drawn frequently in recent drawings. They analyze historical drawings to spot number patterns and trends. For example, if the number 7777 has been drawn twice in the last month, some players will specifically play 7777 hoping its hot streak continues.
This is similar to the “gambler’s fallacy” in other games of chance.
Number Patterns
Savvy Pick 4 players look for recurring number patterns in previous drawings that they think could predict future outcomes. For example, they may notice that most winning Pick 4 numbers tend to have all odd or all even digits. So they will intentionally play number combinations with all odd or all even digits hoping the pattern continues.
Some players look for repeating digits, like 3333, thinking that these duplicated digit patterns occur more frequently in winning Pick 4 numbers. Players will then deliberately play number combos with repeating digits trying to take advantage of the apparent pattern.
Wheeling
“Wheeling” involves playing a large group of number combinations to increase your odds of winning a prize. For example, a player might have a wheel with 100 different 4-digit combinations they play each drawing. This strategy gives players more coverage and a better chance at hitting a winning combo, though the payouts are smaller since the prize is split amongst many numbers. Wheeling is a more expensive strategy since players are buying numerous combinations, but some devotees feel the increased odds make it worthwhile.
Notable Jackpots
The Florida Lottery Pick 4 game has awarded some massive jackpots over the years. Here are some of the biggest payouts:
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In 2021, a Broward County man hit the Pick 4 straight box top prize of $5,000 by playing his late father’s numbers. His total winnings came to $50,000.
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In 2020, a Miami woman won $30,000 on a $1 straight box Pick 4 ticket she purchased while grocery shopping. She plans to pay off bills and take a vacation with her winnings.
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In 2019, a Tampa woman won one of the largest Pick 4 jackpots, taking home $720,000 on a 50-cent straight ticket. She said she’s been playing the same numbers for years.
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In 2018, a tourist visiting Orlando from Rhode Island won $650,000 from a Pick 4 straight box ticket. He called it the “luckiest day of my life.”
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In 2017, a Fort Lauderdale man snagged a $540,000 top prize ticket from a gas station on his way to work. He’s a regular player who always uses the same set of numbers.
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In 2016, a Miami postal worker scored $500,000 on a $5 straight box ticket she bought on her way home. She plans to pay bills and remodel her kitchen.
The Florida Lottery posts stories about winners on its website to highlight some of the biggest Pick 4 jackpots. Over the years, the game has made many people’s dreams come true.
Where the Money Goes
A significant portion of Pick 4 ticket sales goes towards supporting education in Florida. Since 1988 when the Florida Lottery began, over $34 billion has gone to education. This includes funding the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has provided financial assistance to more than 725,000 students attending Florida universities and colleges.
Pick 4 sales specifically have contributed millions each year to education. The exact amount contributed depends on that year’s ticket sales revenue. Higher jackpots and increased player participation means more money for education.
The Florida Lottery transfers its contribution to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) each year. The Florida Legislature then allocates these funds to various educational programs and initiatives:
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Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program – As mentioned, this covers tuition and fees for eligible students attending state universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Over $5.5 billion has gone to Bright Futures scholarships.
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Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program – Funding to provide free pre-K to all 4-year-olds in Florida. Over $8 billion has gone to VPK.
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School Recognition Program – Rewards high-performing schools based on student achievement. Over $700 million has gone to this.
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Merit Award Program – Rewards teachers and other instructional personnel based on performance. Over $800 million allocated.
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Florida College System – Funding for Florida’s 28 state and community colleges to support operations and maintenance. Over $6 billion allocated.
So in summary, Pick 4 ticket purchases directly contribute to education funding in Florida. The more people play, the more support for students and schools across the state. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement – players have a chance to win prizes while also knowing they are helping education.
How to Play Responsibly
Playing the lottery should be fun, not an unhealthy habit. Here are some tips for responsible and safe play when participating in the Florida Lottery Pick 4:
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Set a budget and stick to it. Only spend what you can afford to lose. Consider using extra cash, not money needed for bills or expenses.
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See it as entertainment, not as a way to make money. Go into it with the mindset that you are paying for a chance to dream, not investing.
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Balance lottery play with other activities. Don’t let it become the sole focus.
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Keep others who may be affected in mind. Make sure playing does not negatively impact relationships.
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Watch for signs of problematic behavior like needing to play more often or spend more. Take breaks if it feels unhealthy.
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Don’t play under the influence of alcohol or drugs that impair judgement. Make clear-headed decisions.
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Consider voluntary self-exclusion programs if you need help regaining control. This restricts access for a period of time.
If you or someone you know shows signs of problem gambling, resources and help are available:
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Call the Florida Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848)
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Seek treatment from health professionals specializing in addiction medicine and counseling.
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Attend support groups like Gamblers Anonymous for those working towards recovery.
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Use software to limit access to gambling sites and track time and money spent.
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Seek financial counseling to get help with debt and budgeting issues related to excessive gambling.
Playing the Florida Lottery Pick 4 responsibly means having fun within your means and not letting it become unhealthy or out of control. Setting limits and considering potential risks allows enjoying the excitement of playing while minimizing any downsides.
History of Pick 4
The Florida Lottery introduced Pick 4 on April 27, 1988, making it one of the first games offered when the lottery launched. Pick 4 quickly became one of the most popular lottery drawings in Florida.
Over the years, the Florida Lottery has introduced ways to play and win Pick 4:
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Fireball – Launched in 2012, Fireball gives players a chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5 times. A
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Combo play – Introduced in 1999, combo play offers more ways to match numbers with multiple combinations on a single ticket.
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Pick 4 Plus – In 2020, Pick 4 Plus began allowing players to multiply non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times by adding the All-In feature to their ticket.
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EZmatch – Launched in 2021, EZmatch gives players a chance to win prizes instantly after purchase by matching numbers printed on their tickets.
The Florida Lottery has continued to enhance Pick 4 over the past 34+ years while maintaining the core game experience that makes it a player favorite. As one of the Florida Lottery’s first and longest-running games, Pick 4 has a rich history in the state.