Kentucky Pick 4 FAQs
All the important questions about Kentucky Pick 4 are answered here. Browse through the list of FAQs below and select any of the queries to see the answer. You'll learn about different parts of the game, right through from buying your tickets to claiming prizes.
What is KY Pick 4?
Pick 4 is a popular lottery where you only have to choose four numbers between 0 and 9, and there are lots of options for how to play. A version of the game is played in most states - in Kentucky, it was launched in April 1994.
When do drawings take place?
There are two drawings every day. A Midday draw is held at approximately 1:20 PM ET (12:20 PM CT), followed by an Evening draw at 11:00 PM ET (10:00 PM CT).
What time do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales for the Midday draw close at 1:20 PM ET (12:20 PM CT). The cut-off for the Evening draw is 10:55 PM ET (12:55 PM).
How much does it cost to play?
You can choose how much to wager in KY Pick 4, from a minimum of $0.50 to a maximum of $10.
How do I win a prize?
To win a prize, you need to match all four of your selected numbers to the ones that are drawn. You must specify whether you want to match them in exact order (Straight), and order (Box), or play both wagers together (Straight/Box). Go to the
How to Play page for more information.
How much can I win?
The prize depends on your wager type and your wager amount, but it is possible to win up to 5,000 times your wager amount by playing a Straight and matching the numbers in exact order. Go to the
Odds and Prizes page to see all the payouts. The value of your prize also depends on how many ways you play, from 4-Way to 24-Way.
How many ways can you play?
Ts page">You can play a 4-Way, 6-Way, 12-Way or 24-Way combination if you opt for a Box or Straight/Box. This relates to how many of your numbers are unique and how many are the same. A 4-Way play, for example, has three identical digits and one that is different, such as 3331, which can be arranged four ways (3331, 3313, 3133, and 1333). Visit the
Ways to Play page for all the descriptions and more examples.
What are the odds of winning?
The odds vary for each wager type and how many ways you play. The chances of winning on a Straight are 1 in 10,000.
Can I play multiple draws in a row?
Yes, you can enter the Midday draw, the Evening draw or both, for up to seven consecutive days.
What is the minimum age to play?
You have to be at least 18 years old to play the lottery in Kentucky.
Will my prize be taxed?
Prizes over $600 have to be reported to the IRS, but deductions only kick in after $5,000. The rate of state tax is up to 5 percent, while federal tax starts at 24 percent.
How can I claim my prizes?
You can claim from Kentucky Lottery retailers, Authorized Cashing Agents, the Kentucky Lottery Headquarters, or by mail. Your options depend on the value of your prize. See the
Odds and Prizes page for more details.
How long do I have to claim prizes?
All Pick 4 prizes in Kentucky must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date.
What happens if my tickets gets lost or damaged?
Lottery tickets are regarded as 'bearer instruments', just like cash, so anyone holding a ticket is presumed to be the owner. You won't be able to claim a prize without a ticket, but you might be able to cash in a damaged one if enough information can be provided to show that it is a winning ticket. You should always sign the back of your tickets to prove they belong to you. Playing online is an even more secure way to play as digital tickets cannot get lost or damaged.
