Pick 4 Fireball is a popular lottery game offered by the New Jersey Lottery. It gives players the chance to win cash prizes by picking 4 numbers from 0 to 9. The Fireball number is an additional number drawn from 0 to 9 which can increase non-jackpot prizes. Pick 4 Fireball offers players a fun and exciting way to try their luck at winning cash.
How Do You Play Pick 4 Fireball NJ?
Playing Pick 4 Fireball NJ is easy. Players choose 4 numbers from 0 to 9. They can choose their own numbers or use a Quick Pick and let the lottery terminal randomly pick the numbers. Tickets cost $1 per play. There are a few different ways to play:
- Straight – Pick 4 numbers in the exact order drawn to win the jackpot
- Box – Pick 4 numbers in any order to win prizes
- Straight/Box – Play both Straight and Box by choosing the Straight/Box option on the playslip
- Front Pair – Pick the first 2 numbers in exact order and any other 2 numbers
- Back Pair – Pick the last 2 numbers in exact order and any other 2 numbers
The Fireball number is also drawn from 0 to 9. It applies to all wagers except the Jackpot. Matching the Fireball increases non-jackpot prizes. Here is an example payout with and without matching the Fireball:
| Bet Type | Match 4 Numbers | Match 4 Numbers + Fireball |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| $1 Box | $1,250 | $6,250 |
When are the Pick 4 Fireball NJ Drawings?
Pick 4 Fireball drawings take place twice daily at approximately 12:57 PM and 10:57 PM. Tickets can be purchased until 10:45 PM for the evening drawing and until 12:45 PM for the daytime drawing. Drawings are held every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Where Can You Play Pick 4 Fireball in NJ?
There are many ways to play Pick 4 Fireball in New Jersey:
- At lottery retailers – Find over 7,000 authorized NJ lottery retailers across the state
- Online at NJLottery.com – Create an account to buy tickets online
- On the NJ Lottery app – Download the app for Android or iOS
- By phone – Call 1-800-222-0996
- With a lottery subscription – Play the same numbers for consecutive draws
Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets in New Jersey. Tickets purchased online or through the app can only be purchased within the state borders but can be accessed from anywhere.
What are the Odds of Winning Pick 4 Fireball?
The odds of winning the Pick 4 Fireball jackpot by matching 4 numbers in exact order are 1 in 10,000. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 417. Here are the odds for other prize levels:
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 10,000 |
| $1 Box | 1 in 2,500 |
| Front or Back Pair | 1 in 400 |
| Fireball only | 1 in 100 |
While the odds of winning the jackpot aren’t hugely favorable, the other prize levels offer better odds for matching some or all of the numbers.
What Are Some Tips for Playing Pick 4 Fireball NJ?
Here are some tips that may help when playing Pick 4 Fireball NJ:
- Play your own numbers based on birthdays, anniversaries, addresses, etc. This gives you a personal connection to the numbers.
- Use Quick Pick and let the computer pick random numbers for you.
- Try selecting numbers that haven’t recently hit or mix high and low numbers.
- Use a balanced box play to increase your odds of winning.
- Consider playing multiples like doubling up on your numbers in the same draw.
- See what numbers hit most frequently and use them in your picks.
- Don’t choose obvious patterns like 1-2-3-4 or 7-11-21-31.
- Stay consistent with your numbers but occasionally change things up.
What Are Some of the Biggest Pick 4 Fireball Jackpots Won in NJ?
Here are some of the biggest Straight bet Pick 4 Fireball jackpots won in New Jersey:
- $150,000 on August 17, 2021 with numbers 2-5-3-1
- $100,000 on December 30, 2020 with numbers 3-5-4-8
- $100,000 on February 11, 2020 with numbers 5-6-9-2
- $100,000 on May 8, 2019 with numbers 4-3-2-1
- $100,000 on January 5, 2019 with numbers 5-4-3-2
These winners beat the odds and hit the $100,000 or $150,000 top prize for matching 4 numbers in exact order. Some other notable high payouts were a $50,000 win on May 31, 2021 playing a 50-cent Straight/Box bet and a $25,000 win on September 7, 2021 playing a $1 Straight bet with the Fireball.
What are the Payouts for Pick 4 Fireball NJ?
Pick 4 Fireball NJ offers the following payouts for matching numbers correctly:
| Bet Type | Match 4 Numbers | Match 4 Numbers + Fireball |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| 50-cent Straight/Box | $2,500 | $12,500 |
| $1 Box | $1,250 | $6,250 |
| Front or Back Pair | $500 | $2,500 |
| 50-cent Front/Back Pair | $250 | $1,250 |
| Fireball Only | – | $25 |
These payouts are for a $1 bet. Players can multiply the prizes by playing 50-cent or higher bets. Jackpot prizes may be reduced if there are multiple winners. Taxes are withheld from prizes over $10,000.
What Was the Biggest Pick 4 Fireball Jackpot in NJ?
The biggest Pick 4 Fireball jackpot won in New Jersey was $150,000. This top prize payout was awarded for matching 4 numbers in exact order along with the Fireball. Some other notable high jackpots were:
- $100,000 on August 17, 2021
- $100,000 on December 30, 2020
- $100,000 on February 11, 2020
- $100,000 on May 8, 2019
- $100,000 on January 5, 2019
While the advertised jackpot is $150,000, it may be split between multiple winning tickets. Jackpots start at $5,000 and increase based on ticket sales and rolls. The jackpot resets after it is won.
Has Anyone Ever Won Pick 4 Fireball Multiple Times in NJ?
While it is rare, there have been some notable cases of people winning the Pick 4 Fireball jackpot more than once in New Jersey:
- In 2015, an Ocean County man won $50,000, then hit another $50,000 Pick 4 jackpot just two weeks later.
- In 2010, a Burlington County woman won a $100,000 Fireball jackpot, then won another $50,000 just a few months later.
- In 2008, a Bergen County man won $100,000, then went on to win $35,000 and $50,000 over the next two years.
- A Cumberland County woman won $100,000 in 2005, $50,000 in 2007, and $25,000 in 2013.
These repeat winners had lucky streaks and managed to beat the long odds multiple times. It shows that while difficult, winning the jackpot more than once is possible.
What are Some Unusual Facts About Pick 4 Fireball NJ?
Here are some interesting facts about the Pick 4 Fireball NJ lottery:
- The most common Fireball number is 7. It has been drawn 92 times since the game began in 2004.
- The number combination 4-5-7-8 has been drawn 4 times, the most of any quadruple.
- The lottery record for most consecutive days without a Straight bet jackpot winner is 68 draws.
- All odd numbers have been drawn together once, and likewise all even numbers hit on another date.
- A West Orange man played the same numbers every day for 20 years before finally hitting the $100,000 jackpot in 2005.
These fun facts show that while Pick 4 Fireball has patterns, it also produces unpredictable results. The game has awarded many huge jackpots over the years and made many players’ dreams come true.
How Can Winnings be Claimed for Pick 4 Fireball?
For prizes up to $599, Pick 4 Fireball tickets can be cashed at any New Jersey lottery retailer. The lottery ticket should be signed and taken to a retailer to be scanned. The retailer will pay out the winnings in cash.
Prizes over $599 must be claimed at one of the New Jersey Lottery’s offices, which are located in Lawrenceville, Trenton, Hackensack, and Hamilton. The following information is required:
- The winning ticket signed by the player
- A claim form available at lottery retailers and offices
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security Number
Prizes over $10,000 are subject to a 24% federal withholding tax and 8% state withholding tax. Pick 4 Fireball prizes expire one year from the draw date, so make sure to claim winnings in a timely manner.
Can You Play Pick 4 Fireball in Other States?
Similar Pick 4 Fireball games are available in a handful of other states around the country. The states that currently offer the game include:
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Delaware
- North Carolina
- Georgia
The rules and prizes may vary slightly between states, but the core concept is the same. Players pick 4 numbers and a Fireball for a chance to win jackpots and other cash prizes. Check with your local lottery for details on availability and how to play.
Is There an App to Check Pick 4 Fireball NJ Results?
Yes, there are a few convenient ways to check Pick 4 Fireball results from your phone or mobile device.
- Mobile Website – Visit njlottery.com from a mobile browser to see winning numbers.
- Mobile App – The NJ Lottery App shows recent results and can store favorite numbers.
- Text Message – Text WINNERS to 5757 for the latest winning numbers.
- Email/Text Alerts – Sign up to have results texted or emailed after each draw.
The mobile app and text messaging options allow players to easily look up results from anywhere. Players can also sign up for “Second Chance” promotions on the app for a chance to win cash and prizes.
Where Does Pick 4 Fireball Revenue Go in NJ?
The revenue from Pick 4 Fireball helps support good causes within the state of New Jersey. The New Jersey Lottery has contributed over $30 billion to state institutions since its inception in 1970. The majority of lottery proceeds go towards:
- Education – Around 30% of revenue helps support local education and schools.
- Institutions – About 30% goes to state-run psychiatric hospitals, homes for disabled soldiers, and other institutions.
- State-Run Programs – Around 18% helps pay for programs like homeowner rebates.
- Retailer Commissions – Retailers earn about 6% in commissions.
- Operating Expenses – Around 15% covers production costs, advertising, salaries, etc.
So while players have a chance to win big jackpots and prizes, the lottery also benefits the state by providing significant funding for worthwhile programs and services.
Conclusion
Pick 4 Fireball is an exciting lottery game exclusive to New Jersey. Players pick 4 numbers between 0 and 9 and a Fireball for a chance to win up to $150,000. With daily draws and overall odds of winning around 1 in 417, it gives players regular chances to match numbers and take home cash. The game adds suspense with the Fireball that can increase non-jackpot prizes. Over its history since 2004, Pick 4 Fireball has awarded many massive jackpots, including several repeat winners. It’s easy to see why it remains a popular choice for New Jersey lottery players.
