How to Play Pick 3

When you play Pick 3 in Minnesota, you have control over the numbers you choose, the type of bet and even how much it costs. You can find a step-by-step guide to playing the game below, followed by more details about how each bet type works.

Choose how much to bet
Choose how much to bet

You’ll find two wager amounts to choose from on your playslip - $0.50 and $1. You can even bet up to $5, so you’ll just have to tell the retailer if you want to wager more than $1 per play.

Select a bet type
Select a bet type

Decide how to play – First Digit, Front Pair, Back Pair, Straight, Box or Straight/Box. The type of bet you choose will be displayed on your ticket to make it easier to check the results.

Pick your numbers
Pick your numbers

For most bet types, you have to choose three numbers from 0 to 9. Select your own or get a Quick Pick.

Decide how many draws
Decide how many draws

You can purchase a ticket for just the next draw, or play multiple consecutive draws. You are allowed to enter your numbers into as many as 14 drawings in a row.

Purchase your tickets
Purchase your tickets

You have to buy your tickets before sales close at 6:10 p.m. The total cost is calculated by multiplying your wager amount by the number of draws entered.

Wait for the draw
Wait for the draw

Pick 3 drawings are daily at 6:17 p.m. Go to the Winning numbers page to find out if you are a winner, then you just need to come forward to claim any prizes.

If you ask the retailer for a Quick Pick, the default option is a 6-Way Straight/Box costing $1, with half the money going on a Straight bet and half on a Box. You would need to specify if you wanted to play a different bet type or wager amount.

Bet Types

Choosing your bet type is a vital part of the process. Some of the terms might make the game sound complicated, but each option is actually very straightforward.

Pick 3 Prizes

Each bet type has its own fixed prize. If you choose a different wager amount to $0.50 or $1, the payout is adjusted accordingly. Go to the Prizes and Odds page to find out how much you can win, based on how you play Pick 3.