Follow the step-by-step guide below to play Pick 3 in Maine. It is an easy game to play as the draw just involves three numbers from 0 to 9 being selected, but you also have to make a few decisions when you take part.
You can choose your own numbers or get them picked for you at random by the computer. Each of the three winning digits is selected from a separate field, so the same one can be drawn two or even three times.
Indicate the type of wager you want by marking it on your playslip or telling the retailer. Select a Straight, Box, Front Pair, Back Pair or Single Digit play.
The cost of entry in Pick 3 is flexible. You can wager as little as $0.50, or as much as $5. The more you pay, the higher the potential prize.
Enter your numbers into the Day draw, the Evening draw or both. You can play up to 21 consecutive drawings.
You’ll need to purchase tickets before 1:00 p.m. to be eligible for the Day draw that takes place 10 minutes later at 1:10 p.m. The cut-off time for the Evening draw is 6:45 p.m., with the numbers selected at 6:50 p.m.
When you buy a ticket from a retailer, you just have to make sure you keep it safe so that you can check the winning numbers afterwards. It is best to sign the back of the ticket then, if you do win, you’ll need to bring it forward to claim your prize.
Here is more information about how each type of bet works. The prize you can win is based on which method of play you choose.
To play a Straight, pick any combination of three numbers, even three identical digits. The aim is to match your numbers to the winning digits in exact order. For example, if you play 123, there is only one way to win – the numbers must be drawn as 123. If they appear in a different order, such as 321, your wager is lost.
A Box bet just requires you to match the winning numbers in any order. You don’t need to worry about getting them in the correct positions.
Depending on the combination of numbers you pick, it will be classed as a 3-Way Box or a 6-Way Box. A 3-Way Box is a selection that comprises two identical digits and one that is unique, such as 667. This can be arranged three different ways, and you would win if the numbers drawn were 667, 676 or 766.
If you pick three different numbers, this is known as a 6-Way wager. The combination 789, for example, can be arranged six ways - 789, 798, 879, 897, 978 or 987.
For this type of bet, you only have to pick two numbers and get them in the correct order. It is a prediction on the first two digits to be drawn, so you can leave the third line on your playslip blank.
This works just like a Front Pair, except that you select which numbers you think will be drawn in the second and third positions. You must get them in exact order to win. For example, if you pick 34 as the back pair and the winning number ends in 43, the wager is lost.
A Single Digit wager offers the best odds of winning a prize. All you need to do is specify which digit you want to select - first, second or third - and choose a number. If your chosen number matches the winning digit in that position, you win. If you play the number 2 as the first digit, for example, you receive a payout if the winning combination starts with a 2. If it does not, your wager is lost, even if the number 2 appears as the second and/or third winning digit.