New York Numbers: How to Play
NY Numbers is a simple and fun draw game for New York lottery fans. Here’s how to play:
How to Play
- 1Head to a Retailer: Go to a local licensed lottery retailer and grab a playslip.
- 2Choose Numbers: Pick three digits between 0 and 9, or select Quick Pick for random numbers. You can bet either 50¢ or $1.
- 3Select Play Type: Choose from Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combination, or Pair Play. See details below for more information.
- 4Decide on Draw Times: Numbers draws happen twice daily. Midday at about 2:30 PM and Evening at about 10:30 PM ET. You can play one or both draws.
- 5Purchase & Play: Buy your ticket and store it safely. You’ll need it to claim your prize if you win.
- 6Check Results: After the draw, visit the results page or return to your retailer to see if you’ve won.
Filling Out Playslips Properly
When filling out your playslip, use a black or blue pen/pencil to pick a play type for each game, otherwise your playslips may not scan, numbers could be misread or ignored, or your ticket could be rejected.
Play Types
- Straight: Match all three numbers in exact order to win. Prizes: $250 for a $0.50 play, $500 for a $1 play.
- Box: Match the numbers in any order. 3-Way Box (e.g., 566 → 566, 656, 665): Odds: 1 in 33, prizes $80 for $0.50 or $160 for $1. 6-Way Box (e.g., 678 → 678, 687, 768, 786, 867, 876): Odds: 1 in 167, prizes $40 for $0.50 or $80 for $1.
- Straight/Box: Covers both a Straight and Box with a $1 minimum play. Prizes: $330 (exact) + $80 (any order, 3-Way) or $290 (exact) + $40 (any order, 6-Way).
- Combination: Covers all possible straight combinations of your chosen numbers. 3-Way (e.g., 233 → 233, 323, 332): costs $3. 6-Way (e.g., 678 → 678, 687, 768, 786, 867, 876): costs $6. Odds: 1 in 333 (3-Way), 1 in 167 (6-Way). Prizes: $250 (3-Way) or $500 (6-Way).
- Pair Play: Match just two digits. Choose Front Pair (e.g., 16x) or Back Pair (last two numbers). Odds: 1 in 100. Prizes: $25 for a $0.50 play.
Instant Win
Add this $1 option for a chance at instant prizes. Your ticket generates random Instant Win numbers, each with a prize amount. If any of these numbers match your picks, you win that prize immediately. Visit the Instant Win page for more details.
Play It Again
To save time filling out new playslips, you can use the 'Play It Again' option to effectively clone old tickets, provided they're no older than 30 days. Hand your old ticket to the clerk and ask to Play It Again, and you'll get a new ticket using the same numbers and play types as your old one.
Draw Times
The Numbers draws are held twice a day, every day at Midday and Evening.
- Midday: 2:30 PM.
- Evening: 10:30 PM.
Claiming Prizes
Since prizes are modest for New York Numbers, if you do win a cash prize from Numbers (congratulations) you can claim it at your local lottery retailer or by mail. Visit our How to Claim page for a full guide.