The Arizona Lottery offers a variety of draw games and scratchers for players to choose from. One of the draw games offered is The Pick, which gives players the chance to win prizes by matching some or all of the numbers drawn. Here is an overview of how The Pick works in the Arizona Lottery.
Introduction to The Pick
The Pick is a numbers game draw game offered by the Arizona Lottery. It is drawn daily, giving players frequent chances to play and win. Tickets for The Pick cost $1 per play.
To play, players choose five numbers from 1 to 39. There are several ways to choose numbers, including selecting them manually, using quick pick and allowing the terminal to randomly generate them, or playing a special set of numbers.
Twice a day, at 6:30 PM and 10:00 PM MST, The Pick drawings are held. Five winning numbers are drawn along with one additional number known as the Bonus Ball.
How to Play The Pick
Playing The Pick is easy. Players have a few simple steps to follow:
- Decide on five numbers from 1 to 39. This can be done manually or by using Quick Pick and letting the computer randomly generate the numbers.
- Mark the five numbers on a Pick playslip or give the numbers to the retail clerk.
- Choose how many draws to play. Tickets can be purchased for up to 14 consecutive draws in advance.
- Choose whether to add Extra Play which multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
- Hand the completed playslip or requested numbers to the retail clerk along with payment. Tickets can not be canceled or voided once printed.
- Receive the ticket and check to make sure the numbers match those requested.
- Tune in to the drawing to see if any or all numbers match those played.
The Pick can be played at any Arizona Lottery retailer across the state. Tickets must be purchased by 7:30 PM MST on the day of the drawing to be eligible. It’s quick and easy to get a Pick ticket for a chance to win.
The Pick Prize Levels and Odds
There are several prize levels available in The Pick depending on how many numbers match. The odds vary for each prize. Here are the prize breakdowns:
- Match 5 numbers – Jackpot prize starting at $50,000. Odds 1 in 575,757.
- Match 4 numbers – $200 prize. Odds 1 in 2,981.
- Match 3 numbers – $20 prize. Odds 1 in 81.
- Match 2 numbers – $2 prize. Odds 1 in 9.
- Match 1 number and Bonus Ball – $4 prize. Odds 1 in 29.
- Match 0 numbers and Bonus Ball – $2 prize. Odds 1 in 29.
The overall odds of winning any prize in The Pick are 1 in 8. The jackpot starts at $50,000 and will continue rolling over and increasing until there is a winner. The jackpot has unlimited rollover capability.
Adding Extra Play
Players can also choose to add Extra Play when purchasing Pick tickets. This will multiply the non-jackpot prizes won. Extra Play costs an additional $1 per play.
For example, if a player matches 3 numbers and has added Extra Play, their $20 prize would become $40. Extra Play does not multiply or increase the jackpot prize.
Winning and Claiming Prizes
There are a couple options for players who win prizes on The Pick tickets:
- Prizes up to $100 can be claimed at any Arizona Lottery retailer location. The ticket must be validated through the lottery terminal before the retailer will pay out the amount.
- Prizes over $100 must be claimed at an Arizona Lottery office. Locations can be found on the Arizona Lottery website. Proper identification is required for all prize claims.
- All winning tickets are valid for 180 days after the drawing date. Any prizes not claimed before the expiration date will be forfeited.
All retail locations and Lottery offices validate tickets and pay prizes in cash. However for very large jackpot prizes, the Lottery may provide the winner with the option of a yearly annuity payment.
Tickets should be signed immediately after purchase and thoroughly checked to ensure they reflect the correct numbers and drawing dates. Lost, stolen, damaged, or expired tickets will not be paid or replaced. Winners are responsible for all taxes related to prizes.
The Pick Number Frequencies
Some players like to analyze the statistics behind lottery games to see if certain numbers come up more frequently than others. Here are some of the statistics for The Pick:
| Number | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5.98% |
| 2 | 5.30% |
| 3 | 4.97% |
| 4 | 5.46% |
| 5 | 5.44% |
| 6 | 5.52% |
| 7 | 5.81% |
| 8 | 5.87% |
| 9 | 5.16% |
| 10 | 4.61% |
| 11 | 5.03% |
| 12 | 5.38% |
| 13 | 4.75% |
| 14 | 4.73% |
| 15 | 5.18% |
| 16 | 4.83% |
| 17 | 5.09% |
| 18 | 4.39% |
| 19 | 4.96% |
| 20 | 5.19% |
| 21 | 5.12% |
| 22 | 5.28% |
| 23 | 5.41% |
| 24 | 4.76% |
| 25 | 5.01% |
| 26 | 4.77% |
| 27 | 5.07% |
| 28 | 5.00% |
| 29 | 4.87% |
| 30 | 4.70% |
| 31 | 4.63% |
| 32 | 5.14% |
| 33 | 4.92% |
| 34 | 5.27% |
| 35 | 5.08% |
| 36 | 4.54% |
| 37 | 4.42% |
| 38 | 5.11% |
| 39 | 5.36% |
As the table shows, while some numbers like 1, 7, 8, and 39 appear slightly more frequently, overall the differences are minimal. There are no definitively “hot” or “cold” numbers that stand out. Players can choose to use these statistics however they like, but frequent number analysis shows little significant advantage in The Pick.
Most Common Numbers Drawn Together
Analyzing the pairs of numbers drawn together can also provide some insight for players. Here are some of the most commonly seen pairs in The Pick drawings:
- 1 and 7
- 8 and 33
- 12 and 18
- 4 and 26
- 15 and 35
- 22 and 29
- 9 and 21
There does appear to be certain combinations that appear more regularly together. However, the differences are still generally small. While these “hot pairs” could be incorporated into number selection strategy, they do not necessarily or guarantee better odds of winning.
Conclusion
The Arizona Lottery offers daily chances to play and win with The Pick. Players simply choose 5 numbers from 1 to 39 and then match some or all of those to the numbers drawn twice daily to win prizes. With 9 different ways to win, The Pick provides frequent excitement and opportunities. Understanding the basics of how The Pick works as well as the prize levels, odds, and number frequencies can help players develop their strategy.
The Pick offers convenience with the ability to purchase tickets good for multiple future draws. This can allow players to maintain their favorite numbers for a longer period of time. Overall The Pick provides an easy, fast, and affordable way for Arizona residents to try for their chance at a jackpot starting at $50,000 or other cash prizes up to $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Pick tickets cost?
Pick tickets cost $1 per play. There is no discount for purchasing multiple tickets in a single transaction.
What days and times are the Pick drawings?
The Pick drawings are held twice daily, at 6:30 PM MST and 10:00 PM MST. They are held every day of the week, 365 days a year.
Can I buy tickets after the advertised cut-off times?
No, tickets must be purchased by 7:30 PM MST on the night of the drawing to be eligible. All ticket sales are halted at that time. Any purchases made after that time will be for the next available drawing.
How long do I have to claim my Pick prize?
Winning Pick tickets expire 180 days after the drawing date. Prizes must be claimed before the expiration date printed on the ticket.
Can I claim a Pick prize in another state?
No, Arizona Lottery prizes can only be claimed at Arizona Lottery retail locations or claim centers located in Arizona. Players must be physically in Arizona to redeem their winning tickets.
Are Pick prizes taxable?
Yes, all Arizona Lottery prizes over $600 are subject to state and federal tax withholding requirements at the time the prize is claimed. Jackpot prizes may have different withholding rates.
How long does it usually take for the jackpot to be hit?
The Pick jackpot averages around 12 rolls before being won. However, it varies significantly since there is unlimited rollover capability. Jackpots have exceeded $1 million on several occasions.
Can I play The Pick online or on my phone?
No, Arizona law prohibits online or cellular sale of Lottery tickets. Tickets can only be purchased from authorized retailers in person.
What happens if there is a draw error or technical issue?
All drawings are monitored and tested thoroughly. However, in the very rare event of a drawing error or technical issue, the Arizona Lottery will investigate fully and determine solutions based on the situation. This could include a redraw, honoring dual outcomes, or refunds.
Other Arizona Lottery Games
Besides The Pick, the Arizona Lottery offers a wide selection of draw and scratcher games for players to choose from. Here is a quick overview of some of the other games available:
Draw Games
- Powerball – Features jackpots starting at $20 million and drawings held three times a week. Tickets cost $2.
- Mega Millions – Massive nationwide jackpots beginning at $20 million. Drawings held two times a week and tickets cost $2.
- Fantasy 5 – Top prize of $50,000 with drawings daily. Match 5 of 41 numbers. Tickets cost $1.
- Triple Twist – Unique game where numbered balls spin to determine prize wins. Drawings daily. Tickets cost $2.
- The Pick – Explained above. Match 5 of 39 numbers for a jackpot starting at $50,000. Tickets cost $1.
Scratchers
- $250,000 Ultimate Cash – $20 scratcher with a top prize of $250,000.
- $5,000,000 Spectacular – $20 scratcher with a top prize of $5 million.
- 100X The Cash – $10 ticket with multiplier capability up to 100X for prizes up to $100,000.
- Maximum Millions – $30 scratcher with a $15 million top prize, the largest offered.
- Ca$h Explo$ion – $2 ticket that offers prizes up to $4,000 and a fun tic-tac-toe style bonus game.
These are just a few examples of the wide range of games available from the Arizona Lottery. New scratchers with different price points, themes, and prize possibilities are introduced regularly. Make sure to check out the latest games for new and exciting ways to play.
Conclusion
The Arizona Lottery provides ample opportunities to take a chance at winning big jackpots or instant prizes. The Pick is a convenient and affordable draw game that can offer thousands in cash prizes daily. Understanding the basics of how it works and the prize payout structure allows players to enjoy The Pick to its fullest. With unlimited rollover capability, the next Pick jackpot could quickly grow to staggering amounts for one lucky winner.
