What Was the Illinois Pick 4?
The Illinois Pick 4 was a popular lottery game that was offered by the Illinois Lottery. It allowed players to choose a four-digit number from 0000 to 9999, with various options for how to play and win. The game was easy to understand and offered players the chance to win large cash prizes with relatively low odds.
How to Play the Illinois Pick 4
To play the Illinois Pick 4, players had to choose a four-digit number. They could either select their own number or opt for a Quick Pick, where a computer randomly generates the numbers for them. Players also had the option to play their number straight, boxed, or straight/boxed.
– Straight: When playing straight, the number chosen had to match the winning numbers in the exact order to win. This option offered the highest payout, but also had the lowest odds of winning.
– Boxed: When playing boxed, the numbers chosen had to match the winning numbers in any order. This option offered a lower payout than playing straight, but had higher odds of winning.
– Straight/Boxed: This option allowed players to play both straight and boxed at the same time, offering a chance to win both ways.
Players could choose their bet amount, ranging from $0.50 to $5 per play. The higher the bet amount, the higher the potential payout. Additionally, players could choose to play their numbers for multiple drawings in advance, up to 14 consecutive draws.
Prize Payouts and Odds
The prize payouts for the Illinois Pick 4 varied depending on the play type, bet amount, and whether the numbers played matched the winning numbers straight or boxed. Generally, the payouts ranged from $100 to $5,000 for a $0.50 bet, and from $200 to $10,000 for a $1 bet.
The odds of winning the Illinois Pick 4 also varied depending on the play type and whether the numbers played matched the winning numbers straight or boxed. The odds for a straight play were approximately 1 in 10,000, while the odds for a boxed play were approximately 1 in 2,500. The odds for a straight/boxed play were a combination of the two.
FAQs
Q: Can I play the Illinois Pick 4 online?
A: Yes, the Illinois Lottery offered online play for the Pick 4 game through their official website and mobile app.
Q: What time were the Illinois Pick 4 drawings?
A: The Illinois Pick 4 drawings were held twice a day, seven days a week. The midday drawing took place at 12:40 PM Central Time, while the evening drawing took place at 9:22 PM Central Time.
Q: What happened to the Illinois Pick 4?
A: In July 2021, the Illinois Lottery decided to retire the Pick 4 game and replace it with a new game called “Lucky Day Lotto.”
Q: Can I still claim prizes for the Illinois Pick 4?
A: Yes, players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes for the Illinois Pick 4. Prizes can be claimed at any authorized Illinois Lottery retailer or at a regional claim center.
Q: Can I play the Illinois Pick 4 if I am not a resident of Illinois?
A: No, the Illinois Lottery games, including the Pick 4, are only available for play by residents of the state of Illinois.
In conclusion, the Illinois Pick 4 was a popular lottery game offered by the Illinois Lottery, allowing players to choose a four-digit number and win cash prizes with various play options. While the game has been retired, players can still claim prizes within the one-year timeframe.