Cash 3 is a popular lottery game in Georgia offered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation. It is a drawing-style game where players choose 3 numbers between 0 and 9. Twice a day, 6 numbers are randomly drawn from 0 to 9. Players can win prizes by matching some or all of their numbers to the numbers that are drawn. Cash 3 offers different play types and prize structures, allowing players flexibility in how they play. With a long history and accessible price point, Cash 3 continues to be one of the Georgia Lottery’s most well-known and widely played games.
How to Play Cash 3
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to play Cash 3:
- Decide which play type and prize structure you want. The main options are Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Front Pair, and Back Pair. Each has different odds and prizes.
- For Straight, choose 3 numbers from 0 to 9. For Box, choose 3 numbers and pick how many digits you want to match.
- Mark your numbers on a Cash 3 play slip or have the retailer enter your numbers into the terminal.
- Insert cash or a debit card to pay for your ticket. Cash 3 costs $1 per play.
- You will receive a ticket with your numbers and confirmation of your play type.
- Wait for the twice daily drawings at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm EST. Winning numbers are selected using a mechanical ball drawing system.
- After the drawing occurs, check your ticket to see if you matched any numbers in the exact order (for Straight) or any order (for Box). Match all 3 numbers in exact order to win the Straight jackpot.
If your ticket has a winner, you can redeem prizes up to $500 at any Georgia Lottery retailer. For larger prizes, claim your winnings at a Lottery district office.
Cash 3 Play Types
Cash 3 offers several different play types. Each has different odds, prizes, and ways to win.
Straight
With the Straight play, you pick 3 numbers in exact order from 0 to 9. If the numbers on your ticket match the draw results in the exact order, you win the Straight jackpot. The odds of winning the Straight jackpot are 1 in 1,000. Straight plays offer some of the game’s largest payouts for matching all 3 winning numbers in order.
Box
For the Box play, you choose 3 numbers from 0 to 9 and pick how many digits you want to match. The numbers can match the draw results in any order. Common Box play options include:
- 3-way Box – Match all 3 numbers in any order. Odds are 1 in 333.
- 6-way Box – Match 2 out of 3 numbers in any order. Odds are 1 in 167.
- 12-way Box – Match 1 out of 3 numbers in any order. Odds are 1 in 83.
Prizes for Box plays are lower than Straight, but the odds of winning are better.
Straight/Box
A Straight/Box ticket includes both a Straight play and Box play to cover multiple possibilities. You make one Straight selection and one Box selection (such as 3-way). You can win prizes if your Straight matches the draw results perfectly or your Box numbers match in any combination.
Front Pair
For a Front Pair play, you pick 2 numbers from 0 to 9 for the first and second positions. If your numbers match the first 2 draw results, you win. Front Pair has odds of 1 in 100.
Back Pair
Back Pair is the opposite of Front Pair. You choose 2 numbers from 0 to 9 for the second and third positions. You win if your pair matches the last 2 numbers drawn. The odds are also 1 in 100.
Cash 3 Prize Levels
Cash 3 prizes vary based on the play type, amount wagered, and number of matches. Here are sample prize charts for Straight and Box plays:
Straight
| Match | Prize for $1 Play |
|---|---|
| Match all 3 numbers in exact order | $500 |
| Match 2 numbers in exact order | $40 |
| Match 1 number in exact position | $3 |
3-Way Box
| Match | Prize for $1 Play |
|---|---|
| Match all 3 numbers in any order | $160 |
| Match 2 numbers in any order | $20 |
Prizes increase proportionately if you wager more than $1 per play. For example, a $2 Straight play that matches all 3 numbers would win $1,000.
Where to Buy Cash 3 Tickets
You can buy Cash 3 tickets at over 3,000 authorized retailers across Georgia. Here are some tips for purchasing:
- Look for lottery terminals with the Cash 3 logo at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail locations. You can find retailers on the Georgia Lottery website.
- Tell the clerk your selected numbers and play type (Straight, Box, etc). They can enter it into the terminal.
- If you make a mistake, request a new ticket before the retail terminal prints it.
- You can also use a Cash 3 play slip to mark your choices if you prefer.
Cash 3 tickets can only be purchased from authorized lottery retailers located in Georgia. Tickets may not be purchased online or by phone.
Cash 3 Ticket Information
A Cash 3 ticket contains the following details:
- Your 3 number selections
- Amount wagered
- Play type
- Date of purchase
- Date and time of the drawing
- Ticket serial number
- Retailer name and address
Review your ticket carefully to ensure all information is correct before leaving the store.
Cash 3 Draw Times
Cash 3 drawings occur twice a day at:
- 1:00 pm EST
- 7:00 pm EST
The evening drawing is sometimes referred to as the “night owl” drawing. Tickets can only be purchased until 12:45 pm and 6:45 pm respectively on the day of each drawing.
Watching the Cash 3 Drawings
You can watch the Cash 3 drawings live online via the Georgia Lottery website or YouTube page. The drawings also air on Georgia Lottery partner television stations around the state. See the website for channels and times.
How Cash 3 Winning Numbers Are Drawn
Cash 3 winning numbers are selected using a mechanical ball drawing system. The process unfolds as follows:
- The drawing machine contains 4 separate chambers holding numbered balls for the ones digit, tens digit, hundreds digit, and thousands digit. The thousands chamber is not used.
- Air blows the balls in the chambers around for 20 seconds before the drawing.
- Each chamber releases one numbered ball into a tube.
- The 3 balls land in the tray at the base to form the official winning number combination.
The entire drawing process is administered by Georgia Lottery officials and conducted under extensive security protocols.
Claiming Cash 3 Prizes
You can claim Cash 3 prizes up to $500 at any Georgia Lottery retailer. Follow these steps:
- Present your winning ticket to the cashier within 90 days of the drawing date.
- The retailer will scan the barcode and validate your ticket.
- If it matches a winning number combination, you will receive your prize payout in cash.
For prizes over $500, you must visit one of the Georgia Lottery district offices listed below. Bring a valid photo ID and your ticket.
- Atlanta – 250 Williams St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Dalton – 235 W. Walnut Ave., Dalton, GA 30720
- Macon – 1565 Bass Rd., Macon, GA 31210
- Savannah – 2215 Largo Dr., Savannah, GA 31405
Cash 3 tickets expire 90 days after the drawing date. Unclaimed prizes are added to future pots and promotions.
Cash 3 Odds and Probabilities
The chances of winning a Cash 3 prize depend on the play type you choose. Here are the overall odds:
| Play Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 1000 |
| 6-Way Box | 1 in 167 |
| 12-Way Box | 1 in 83 |
| Front or Back Pair | 1 in 100 |
While your chances of matching all 3 numbers in exact order for a Straight win are low, each Cash 3 drawing is completely random. Your odds do not change based on previous draws or frequency of numbers.
Most Common Cash 3 Numbers
While every number has an equal chance of being picked, some numbers do appear slightly more frequently in Cash 3 results over a long period of time. According to the Georgia Lottery’s official statistics, here are the most commonly seen numbers overall in Cash 3 draws since 2003:
- 0
- 5
- 7
- 8
- 2
However, statistics can be misleading. Hot and cold streaks come and go, and focusing on them does not change the actual underlying probabilities. Every drawing brings a fresh 1 in 1000 chance of hitting the Straight jackpot.
Cash 3 Strategies and Tips
Since Cash 3 is purely a game of chance, there is no foolproof strategy to guarantee wins. However, some players use certain approaches in hopes of increasing their odds.
Number Wheeling
Number wheeling involves cycling through all possible 3-digit combinations using Box plays. This covers multiple combinations to improve your chances versus playing the same numbers repeatedly. Creating number wheels and box grids can help organize your choices.
Playing Hot and Cold Numbers
Some players only play numbers that have been drawn frequently in recent draws believing they are “hot.” Others avoid such numbers, assuming they are “due” to cool off. This is one of the most common Cash 3 strategies, but has no basis in the actual probabilities.
Tracking Stats and Trends
Studying Cash 3 statistics to spot potential patterns is another approach. However, drawings are truly random and numbers have no memory, so this strategy often does not pan out.
Focusing on Midday or Evening
You can analyze midday and evening draws separately to target a specific set. However, both use the same number pool and odds.
The only guaranteed winning strategies for Cash 3 are perseverance, playing regularly, and taking advantage of the different play types and prize structures. Have fun, but remember to play responsibly!
Georgia Lottery Proceeds
As part of the Georgia Lottery, Cash 3 contributes its revenue back to the state for important education initiatives. Since 1993, the Georgia Lottery has raised over $23 billion for education funding. The programs supported include:
- HOPE Scholarships and Grants
- Pre-Kindergarten
- Tuition Equalization Grants
- Low Interest Loans
- Technology and Infrastructure
By playing the lottery responsibly, Georgians help students achieve their higher education dreams and support key education, scholarships, and assistance across the state. It is a unique way lottery players get to have fun while benefiting a great cause!
The History of Cash 3
Cash 3 traces its origins back to the launch of the Georgia Lottery in 1993. It began as a daily drawing game with a $500 top prize. Early winning numbers were drawn using a blower-mixer style machine that cycled ping pong balls.
Over the years, Cash 3 has evolved with new play styles and prize structures introduced. Major developments include:
- Launch of Back Pair, Front Pair, and Combo plays
- Introduction of a nightly “Owl” drawing
- Doubling of top prizes to $1,000
- Replacement of drawing machine with automated ball draw system
Through multiple redesigns and branding refreshes, Cash 3 has remained a Georgia Lottery staple for nearly 30 years. It continues to attract players with its exciting twice-daily drawings, straightforward play, and potential for significant payouts matching just 3 simple numbers.
Conclusion
Cash 3 offers a convenient, engaging lottery game where players choose 3 numbers for a chance to win jackpots up to $500 or $1000. Straight, Box, and Combo tickets allow different approaches, odds, and prize amounts. Twice daily midday and evening drawings mean two opportunities to win every day. With a long history and devoted player base, Cash 3 is likely to remain popular for years to come. The Georgia Lottery also does excellent work supporting education across the state with Cash 3 and game proceeds.
