How to Play Ohio Pick 3 Lottery: Win Up to $500

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Written By Karla
Hey there, I'm Karla Alvarez! I'm an Information Sciences graduate with a real passion for research and lottery games. My goal is to share with you the best strategies, tips and interesting facts about the exciting world of luck and odds.

To play the Ohio Pick 3 Lottery, choose three numbers from 0 to 9, select your play type (Straight, Box, Pair, etc.), and wager $0.50 or $1.

Drawings are held twice daily at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m.

You can win a top prize of $500 on a $1 Straight bet. 

How to play Pick 3 Ohio Lottery- Step by step

Step 1: Pick Your Numbers

Choose three digits, each from 0 to 9.

You can select your own lucky numbers or opt for an “Auto Pick” to let the terminal generate a random combination for you.

If you’re not sure which numbers to pick, ask Clover, our AI-powered chatbot. Clover goes beyond basic randomness by analyzing historical draw data—including hot and cold numbers—and blending it with mathematical models and global superstitions.

Whether you follow data or intuition, Clover helps you pick numbers that align with your strategy.

Step 2: Choose Your Play Type

Your play type determines how you win and how much the ticket costs. Ohio offers several ways to play:

Play TypeDescription
StraightMatch the winning numbers in the exact order.
BoxMatch the winning numbers in any order.

3-Way Box: (two identical numbers)
6-Way Box: (three unique numbers).
Pair BetsMatch two numbers in exact order.

Front Pair: Match the first two numbers in exact order.
Back Pair: Match the last two numbers in exact order.
Split Pair: Match the first and last numbers in exact order.
Back-UpA combination bet. You win if you match in either exact or any order (Straight + Box).

3-Way Back-Up: (two identical numbers)
6-Way Back-Up: (three unique numbers).
WheelCovers all possible Straight combinations of your 3 numbers. Every order is played as a Straight bet.

3-Way Wheel: (two identical numbers)
6-Way Wheel: (three unique numbers)

Ohio Pick 3 Payouts and Odds

Payouts for the Ohio Pick 3 range from $25 to $500, depending on your wager amount ($0.50 or $1.00) and your specific play type.

Wager TypeOdds of WinningPayout ($0.50 Wager)Payout ($1.00 Wager)
Straight1 in 1,000$250$500
6-Way Wheel6 in 1,000$250$500
3-Way Wheel3 in 1,000$250$500
6-Way Box1 in 167$41.50$83
3-Way Box1 in 333$83.50$167
Pair Bets1 in 100$25$50

Pick 3 Straight Winners on a Back-Up Bet

If you play a Back-Up bet, you are covering both the Straight and Box outcomes. Here is how the payouts look:

Amount BetTotal Ticket Cost3-Way Back-Up Payout6-Way Back-Up Payout
$0.50$1.00$333.50$291.50
$1.00$2.00$667.00$583.00

Ohio Pick 3 Drawing Times

DayMiddaySales StopEveningSales Stop
Sunday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Monday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Tuesday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Wednesday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Thursday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Friday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:29 p.m.7:25 p.m.
Saturday12:29 p.m.12:25 p.m.7:45-8:00 p.m.7:45 p.m.
All times are in Ohio local time.

Never miss a result: Let Lottonia do the tracking for you.

Instead of checking the numbers manually, Lottonia sends instant notifications to your email or app profile immediately after the draw.

If you hit the jackpot, you will be the first to know.

How to Claim Ohio Lottery Prizes

If your numbers matched and you’re holding a winning ticket—congratulations!

Claiming your prize in Ohio is a simple process, but the method depends on how much you’ve won.

For Prizes up to $599:

The easiest way to get your money. You can claim these prizes at:

  • Any Ohio Lottery Retailer: Most stores that sell tickets can pay you out instantly in cash.
  • Lottery Regional Offices: If a retailer doesn’t have enough cash on hand.
  • By Mail: Sending your signed ticket to the Ohio Lottery Commission.

For Prizes of $600 or More:

Winning larger amounts requires a bit more paperwork for tax purposes:

Processing: Prizes over $600 are usually paid by check.

Claim Form: You must complete an official Ohio Lottery claim form.

Where to go: You can visit any Ohio Lottery Regional Office or a Cashing Bank that partners with the lottery.

Identification: Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number.

FAQs

How much does an Ohio Pick 3 ticket cost?

You can play for either $0.50 or $1.00 per play. The cost depends entirely on the wager amount you select on your playslip.

Can I play the Ohio Lottery online?

Yes. You can purchase tickets through the official Ohio Lottery mobile app or through licensed lottery courier services available in the state.

How long are Ohio Pick 3 tickets valid?

Winning tickets expire 180 days from the date of the drawing. If you don’t claim your prize within this window, the funds are typically transferred to the state’s education fund.

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