How to Play New York Numbers
50¢ or $1 a play · Every day · 2:30 PM and 10:30 PM ET
- 1Pick 3 digits from 0 to 9, or ask for a Quick Pick.
- 2Choose how to play: Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combination, or Front or Back Pair.
- 3Choose 50¢ or $1 a play.
- 4Add Instant Win for $1 more a play if you like.
- 5Choose Midday, Evening or both, for up to 7 days in a row.
Ways to play
- StraightMatch all 3 digits in the exact order drawn.
- BoxMatch all 3 digits in any order.
- Straight/BoxA 50¢ Straight and a 50¢ Box on the same number, for $1.
- CombinationA Straight on every order of your digits.
- Front PairMatch the first 2 digits drawn, in exact order.
- Back PairMatch the last 2 digits drawn, in exact order.
Add-ons
- Instant Win$1 moreInstant Win numbers printed on your ticket: match one in its column and win its prize on the spot.
You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize. Sales stop 15 minutes before the Midday drawing and 10 before the Evening. See every prize
More Numbers rulesStraight · Box · Straight/Box · Combination · Front Pair · Back Pair · Instant Win · Advance Play
- Straight
- Match all 3 digits in the exact order drawn.
- Box
- Match all 3 digits in any order. A number with a repeated digit, like 122, is a 3-way box, and three different digits, like 123, are a 6-way box: the fewer orders, the bigger the prize. A number like 111 can only be played Straight.
- Straight/Box
- A 50¢ Straight and a 50¢ Box on the same number, for $1. The exact order wins both prizes, and any other order wins the Box prize.
- Combination
- The lottery calls it a Combination play: a Straight on every order of your digits, at 50¢ or $1 each, so 3 plays for a 3-way number and 6 for a 6-way. Whichever order is drawn wins one Straight prize.
- Front Pair
- Pick 2 digits. Win if they match the first 2 digits drawn, in exact order. Pair plays aren't on the play slip: ask the retailer or use a vending machine.
- Back Pair
- Pick 2 digits. Win if they match the last 2 digits drawn, in exact order. Pair plays aren't on the play slip: ask the retailer or use a vending machine.
- Instant Win
- Instant Win numbers and their prizes are printed on your ticket when you buy it, so you know right away whether you won, and you still play the drawing. You win when one of your digits is the same as the Instant Win number in its column. Prizes go up to $500 for each number that matches. Add it at a vending machine or ask the retailer.
- Advance Play
- Multi-Draw counts days, not drawings: up to 7 days in a row, starting with the next drawing, so up to 14 drawings if you play both.
Reviewed by Bishop Woosley, former Director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and NASPL President.
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More for Numbers Players
When it’s drawn, where to cash a win, and how other games are played.
Good to know
- Before You PlayNew York Lottery Draw Times Midday 2:30 PM, Evening 10:30 PM ET, every day. Sales stop 15 minutes before the Midday drawing and 10 before the Evening.
- After You WinHow to Claim a New York Lottery Prize Up to $599 at any lottery retailer. You have one year to claim.
- Keep MoreNew York Lottery Tax Calculator New York taxes winnings at up to 10.9%. 24% federal and 10.9% state tax are withheld from prizes over $5,000.
How other New York games are played
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about New York Numbers rules
How do you play New York Numbers?
Pick 3 digits from 0 to 9, or ask for a Quick Pick. Choose how to play: Straight, Box, Straight/Box, Combination, or Front or Back Pair. Choose 50¢ or $1 a play. Add Instant Win for $1 more a play if you like. Choose Midday, Evening or both, for up to 7 days in a row.
What are the ways to play Numbers?
Straight: Match all 3 digits in the exact order drawn. Box: Match all 3 digits in any order. Straight/Box: A 50¢ Straight and a 50¢ Box on the same number, for $1. Combination: A Straight on every order of your digits. Front Pair: Match the first 2 digits drawn, in exact order. Back Pair: Match the last 2 digits drawn, in exact order.
What is Instant Win in New York Numbers?
Instant Win numbers printed on your ticket: match one in its column and win its prize on the spot.
How much is a Numbers ticket in New York?
50¢ or $1 a play. Add-ons: Instant Win ($1 more).
How late can you buy New York Numbers tickets?
The New York Numbers cutoff time is 15 minutes before the Midday drawing and 10 before the Evening: 2:15 PM ET for the 2:30 PM Midday drawing and 10:20 PM ET for the 10:30 PM Evening drawing.
Still have questions? Email our support team
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