DC Pick 4 FAQs
Our FAQ page will explain every detail of DC Pick 4 - otherwise known as DC 4. Scroll down to find the most commonly asked questions then press on it to reveal the answer! You can learn about draw schedules, claiming prizes and what the ‘Lucky Sum’ is all about!
What is DC 4?
DC 4 is a pick 4 lottery game. This is a type of lottery that is played across the united states, with each state having their own variations. The fundamental rules remain the same: Pick your numbers (between 0-9), choose a play type and decide a wager amount!
What are play types?
Play types are different ways the game can be played. In DC 4 there’s Straight, Box, Front three and Back three. Learn about each one on our
Ways to Play page.
When do draws take place?
There are three DC Pick 4 draws a day: Day draw (1:50 PM), Evening draw (7:50 PM), and Night draw (11:30 PM).
When do ticket sales close?
Ticket sales close 1 minute before each drawing - 1:49 for the Day draw, 7:49 for the Evening draw and 11:29 for the Night draw.
How Much is a Pick 4 Ticket?
The price of a Pick 4 ticket depends on a lot of factors. For example: Your wager amount ($0.50 or $1 for a single play), your amount of plays, the amount of draws you entered, and whether you added the ‘Lucky Sum’ option which doubles the cost of your wager.
What is the Lucky Sum?
The Lucky Sum is an additional add-on option to Pick 4 which means if your numbers add up to the same number as the sum of the draw numbers, you will win a prize. Learn more about this play type on our
How to Play page.
How many consecutive draws can I enter?
You can enter your same numbers in up to seven consecutive draws.
What can you win?
You can win loads of different prizes in DC Pick 4 depending on your play type. The most you can win is $5,000 on a Straight play with a $1 wager. Learn everything else you can win on our
Odds and Prizes page.
What are the odds of winning?
You can win DC Pick 4 at odds of 1 in 10,000. View our
Odds and Prizes page to see the probability of winning every play type.
How old do you have to be to play in DC?
You have to be at least 18 years old to play Pick 4, and other lottery games in DC.
Are my winnings taxed?
If you have won over $5,000, your winnings will be taxed at 25% for Federal income taxes.
How do you claim a prize?
You claim a prize in DC by mailing in your winning ticket or visiting the DC Lottery’s Prize Center at the following address:
DC Lottery Prize Center
2235 Shannon Place, SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
Prizes must include the winning ticket (ideally signed at the back), a valid photo-ID and a winners claim form.
If you're claiming a prize over $5,000 you should contact the prize center for further guidance.
How long do I have to claim a prize?
You must claim any lottery winnings within 180 days of the draw taking place.
