The Pick 5 is a Virginia-only lottery game where players select 5 numbers from 1 to 41. Players can choose their own numbers using a playslip or have the lottery terminal randomly generate numbers for them. Twice a day, at 1:59 PM and 11:00 PM, the lottery draws 5 winning numbers. If a player matches all 5 numbers in exact order, they win the jackpot prize. There are also smaller prizes for matching 3 or 4 numbers.
How to Play Pick 5 in Virginia
Here are the basics on how to play the Pick 5 lottery in Virginia:
- Purchase a Pick 5 playslip from a Virginia Lottery retailer or print one online. Playslips cost $1.
- Select 5 numbers from 1 to 41, or mark the “Quick Pick” box to have the numbers randomly generated.
- Indicate how many draws to play – you can choose to play the same numbers for up to 21 consecutive draws.
- Take the completed playslip to a lottery retailer or use it to purchase tickets online at valottery.com. Retailers can also generate quick pick numbers for you.
- Tickets cost $1 per play per draw. So a ticket with 1 play for 5 draws would cost $5 total.
- Wait for the draws at 1:59 PM and 11 PM every day. Winning numbers are displayed at retailers and posted on valottery.com.
- Match all 5 numbers in exact order to win the jackpot prize for that draw.
Pick 5 offers two ways to win. Match all 5 numbers in exact order to win the jackpot. Or match 3 or 4 numbers in any order to win smaller prizes. The prize payouts are fixed as follows:
| Match | Prize |
|---|---|
| Match 5 numbers in exact order | Jackpot |
| Match 4 numbers in any order | $500 |
| Match 3 numbers in any order | $50 |
Pick 5 Jackpot Prizes
The size of the Pick 5 jackpot depends on ticket sales and rollovers. The starting jackpot amount is $100,000. When no one matches all 5 numbers, the jackpot rolls over to the next drawing and increases. Here are the key points on Pick 5 jackpot prizes:
- The jackpot starts at a minimum of $100,000.
- If no one matches all 5 numbers, the jackpot rolls over and increases for the next drawing.
- The jackpot increases by $5,000 each roll. For example, if no one wins a $100,000 jackpot, the next jackpot will be $105,000.
- There is no cap on the jackpot. It will continue rolling over and increasing until someone wins.
- If multiple tickets match all 5 numbers, the jackpot prize is split evenly among the winners.
The Pick 5 record jackpot is $874,000 won in February 2016 by a Richmond man. The odds of matching all 5 numbers in exact order are 1 in 749,398. While unlikely, the jackpot can grow to massive amounts if no one hits the top prize over a long period of rollovers.
Claiming Pick 5 Prizes in Virginia
Here is how to claim Pick 5 prizes in Virginia:
- For small prizes under $600, retailers can pay winning tickets directly in cash.
- For larger prizes, the claim process depends on where you purchased the ticket:
- For tickets purchased online at valottery.com, winnings will be automatically credited to your account.
- For tickets purchased at a retailer, prizes over $600 need to be claimed at any Virginia Lottery customer service center. You will complete a claim form and provide proof of identification.
- The Virginia Lottery recommends signing the back of your ticket and keeping it safe until claiming the prize.
- Prizes of $10,000 or more are subject to federal and state tax withholding at the time of claiming.
- Draw game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. Otherwise the prize expires.
Odds of Winning Pick 5 in Virginia
The odds of winning a Pick 5 prize depend on how many numbers you match. The approximate odds are:
| Prize | Odds to Win |
|---|---|
| Match 5 numbers | 1 in 749,398 |
| Match 4 numbers | 1 in 2,429 |
| Match 3 numbers | 1 in 84 |
A player has the best chance at the lowest tier prize of matching 3 numbers. But the jackpot for hitting all 5 numbers could be a multimillion dollar payday. Those long odds are what attract people to play.
Strategies for Winning the Pick 5 Jackpot
While Pick 5 jackpots cannot be predicted or controlled, players do have some strategies that may improve their odds and fun:
- Play multiple tickets – playing more number combinations improves your chances
- Use key dates – birthdays, anniversaries, addresses can add personal meaning
- Mix it up – use some personal numbers and some quick picks for variety
- Go with patterns – play consecutive or repeating numbers like 1-2-3-4-5
- Follow your hunches – if you have a lucky feeling about certain numbers go for it
At the end of the day, the numbers drawn are random, so there is no one strategy to guarantee a jackpot win. But using some of these approaches can help make playing Pick 5 a little more interesting.
Where Pick 5 Lottery Proceeds Go in Virginia
Money generated from Pick 5 and other Virginia Lottery games supports important state programs and services. Here is a breakdown of where lottery proceeds go:
- K-12 public education – 45% of proceeds go to Virginia’s public school systems.
- Other education programs – 41% goes to other education initiatives like college scholarships.
- General state programs and services – 14% goes to Virginia’s general fund budget.
Since 1999, the Virginia Lottery has generated over $21 billion in proceeds to fund education, healthcare, transportation, safety, parks, and other public services in the Commonwealth. So playing the lottery helps support many worthwhile causes.
Is Pick 5 Offered in Other States?
Pick 5 is exclusively a Virginia Lottery game. However, similar “pick” style lotto games with slightly different formats are available in other states. Examples include:
- Cash 5 – Offered in Pennsylvania, this is one of the closest games to Pick 5 with players choosing 5 of 43 numbers.
- Fantasy 5 – Available in Florida, Fantasy 5 also uses a 5 of 36 matrix.
- Pick 3/Pick 4 – Most states offer these games where players pick 3 or 4 numbers from 0 to 9.
- Rolling Cash 5 – Ohio’s game draws 5 of 39 numbers each night.
So while the Pick 5 game is unique to Virginia, players in other states can enjoy similar lottery games. The pick-style format of choosing multiple numbers from a range is common across state lotteries.
The History of Pick 5 in Virginia
The Pick 5 lottery has been offered in Virginia for over 30 years. Here are some key dates tracing the origins and history of the game:
- January 24, 1988 – Pick 5 makes its debut with jackpots starting at $25,000.
- May 1990 – Jackpot amount increases to a minimum of $50,000.
- 1995 – Jackpot climbs again, now starting at $75,000.
- September 1998 – Pick 5 jackpots reach $100,000 minimums.
- February 2004 – Now held twice a day, Pick 5 jackpots start at $200,000.
- September 2013 – Game changes to its current format with jackpots beginning at $100,000.
Pick 5 has always been one of the Virginia Lottery’s leading draw games. Over the years jackpot amounts have increased along with the game’s popularity. Today Pick 5 continues going strong as a favorite for players seeking fun and huge prize potential.
Why Pick 5 is Popular in Virginia
There are a few reasons why the Pick 5 game resonates with Virginia lottery players:
- Hefty jackpots – With a minimum $100,000 prize, Pick 5 offers life-changing winnings from day one.
- Rollovers increase excitement – When no one wins, jackpots keep rising draw after draw amplifying the anticipation.
- Winning is achievable – While the jackpot is tough to hit, smaller prizes for matching 3 or 4 numbers give reasonable odds.
- Easy to play – With just 5 numbers to choose from 1 to 41, the game is simple and accessible to everyone.
For thrill seekers, Pick 5 combines massive jackpot potential with relative simplicity. Frequent rollovers keep excitement high. And the chance at lesser prizes keeps players engaged when the jackpot eludes them. Add Virginia Lottery’s reputation for integrity and reliability, and it’s no wonder Pick 5 continues to be a favorite.
Fun Facts About Pick 5 in Virginia
Here are some interesting fun facts about the Pick 5 game in Virginia:
- The number 27 was drawn as the first Pick 5 winning number on January 24, 1988.
- The most common Pick 5 winning number is 38, having been drawn 223 times since the game’s inception.
- The least common winning number is 1, which has only been drawn 124 times in Pick 5’s history.
- The record Pick 5 jackpot of $874,000 was won by a Richmond postal worker on February 13, 2016.
- There have been nearly 10,000 Pick 5 drawings in the game’s history spanning over 30 years.
- All Pick 5 prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date or they expire.
For over three decades, Pick 5 has delivered exciting jackpots and helped fund essential services across Virginia. The game has created countless winners and memorable moments for Virginia Lottery players.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pick 5
How do I play Pick 5 in Virginia?
Pick 5 players choose 5 numbers between 1 and 41. Tickets cost $1 per play. Drawings are held daily at 1:59 PM and 11 PM. Match all 5 numbers in exact order to win the jackpot. You can also win smaller prizes for matching 3 or 4 numbers.
What days are the Pick 5 drawings?
Drawings are held 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 1:59 PM and 11 PM Eastern Time.
What is the average Pick 5 jackpot amount?
The average jackpot is approximately $120,000. However jackpots frequently rise into the hundreds of thousands or more when there are multiple rollovers.
How late can I purchase Pick 5 tickets?
You can purchase tickets for a specific drawing up until 1:53 PM for the afternoon drawing and 10:45 PM for the evening drawing.
What is the biggest Pick 5 jackpot ever in Virginia?
The record Pick 5 jackpot is $874,000, won on February 13, 2016. The jackpot had rolled over for months leading to the giant prize.
What are the odds of winning the Pick 5 jackpot?
The odds are 1 in 749,398 of matching all 5 numbers in exact order to win the jackpot.
Can I buy Pick 5 tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Virginia Lottery’s official website valottery.com. You must register for an account to play online.
Where does the money from Pick 5 ticket sales go?
Pick 5 proceeds fund vital education, healthcare, transportation, safety, parks, and other public services in Virginia.
Conclusion
With its sizable jackpots and creative playing options, it’s no mystery why the Pick 5 game is a popular staple of the Virginia Lottery. For over 30 years, it has delivered excitement and millions of dollars in winnings to lucky players. Pick 5 combines a straightforward play style with a shot at life-altering riches. For Virginia lottery fans seeking their fortune, Pick 5 represents a fun and thrilling opportunity to win big.