Daily 4 is a popular lottery game offered by the California Lottery. It is a daily drawing game where players pick four numbers from 0 to 9. To play, you must be at least 18 years old and physically located in California. There are several ways to play and win prizes in Daily 4.
How to Play Daily 4
Here are the basics on how to play Daily 4 in California:
- Pick 4 numbers from 0 to 9 or use the Quick Pick option for randomly generated numbers
- Choose how much to wager on each play – $1, $2, $5, or $10
- Select a play type – Straight, Box, Straight/Box, or Front/Back Pair
- Purchase your ticket at an authorized California Lottery retailer or via the Lottery’s website/mobile app
- Wait for the daily drawing at approximately 6:59pm PT
- Check your numbers against the winning numbers from the drawing
- Win prizes if your numbers match the winning numbers based on the play type you selected
There are a few key decisions you’ll need to make when playing Daily 4 in regards to selecting your numbers, wager amount, and play type.
Picking Your Numbers
You have two options for choosing numbers in Daily 4:
- Quick Pick: Have the computer randomly generate 4 numbers for you. This is the quickest and easiest way to play.
- Select your own: Choose the 4 numbers you want to play. You can pick any 4 digits from 0 to 9. Some players use significant dates, ages, addresses or other meaningful numbers.
Wager Amount
You can wager $1, $2, $5 or $10 on each Daily 4 play. The more you wager, the higher your potential prizes. For example, a $1 Straight play can win up to $5,000 while a $10 Straight play could win up to $50,000.
Play Types
There are four main play types in Daily 4, each with different prize structures:
Straight
Match all 4 numbers in exact order. Odds of winning are 1 in 10,000.
Box
Match all 4 numbers in any order. Provides more ways to win than Straight.
- 4-Way Box – Match all 4 numbers in any order. Odds are 1 in 2,500.
- 6-Way Box – Match 4 numbers with 3 unique and 1 duplicate number. Odds are 1 in 1,667.
- 12-Way Box – Match 4 numbers with 2 duplicate numbers. Odds are 1 in 834.
- 24-Way Box – Match 4 numbers with all duplicate numbers. Odds are 1 in 417.
Straight/Box
Covers both Straight and Box wagers for the same numbers. Winnings are calculated separately for the Straight and Box components.
Front/Back Pair
Match the front pair (first 2 digits) or back pair (last 2 digits) of the winning numbers. Odds are 1 in 100.
Prize Payouts
Daily 4 prize payouts vary based on the play type and wager amount:
| Play Type | Wager | Prize Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | $1 | $5,000 |
| Straight | $2 | $10,000 |
| Straight | $5 | $25,000 |
| Straight | $10 | $50,000 |
| 4-Way Box | $1 | $1,250 |
| 6-Way Box | $1 | $833 |
| 12-Way Box | $1 | $417 |
| 24-Way Box | $1 | $208 |
| Front/Back Pair | $1 | $500 |
Match all 4 numbers in the exact order drawn to win the Straight prize. Match in any order for a Box win. Front/Back Pair wins if you match either the first 2 digits or last 2 digits. See the California Lottery’s Daily 4 game pages for full prize charts.
Daily 4 Draw Times
Daily 4 drawings are held once per day, every day of the week at approximately 6:59pm PT. Tickets can not be purchased after 6:45pm on the day of the drawing.
Daily 4 Winning Number Statistics
While all 10 numbers (0-9) have an equal chance of being drawn in Daily 4, some numbers have occurred more frequently than others in past draws. Here are some winning number statistics for Daily 4 California:
- The most frequently drawn Daily 4 numbers are 3, 7, 0, and 8
- The least frequently drawn numbers are 2, 5, 6, and 9
- Repeating, consecutive, and sequential numbers are drawn less frequently
- The 0 and 1 digits combine to make up over 28% of all draws
- The midday numbers 3, 4, and 7 combine for over 27% of midday wins
- The evening numbers 0, 3, 7, and 8 combine for over 29% of evening wins
Some players use these hot and cold number statistics to help select numbers to play. However, every drawing is independent, and all number combinations have an equal chance of being selected.
Daily 4 Number Selection Strategies
While luck ultimately determines the winning Daily 4 numbers, some players use certain strategies or systems when picking numbers to play:
- Significant numbers: Birthdays, anniversaries, ages, addresses, etc.
- Repeating numbers: 1111, 2222, etc. Or repeating pairs: 33, 44, 55, etc.
- Consecutive numbers: 1234, 2345, 3456, etc.
- “Wheeling” systems: Mix and match a group of numbers to cover multiple possible combinations.
- Hot and cold numbers: Use statistics on frequent and infrequent numbers.
- Balanced/Unbalanced: Balanced (two odd, two even) or Unbalanced (three odd, one even).
- Numerology: Use numbers with personal meaning derived from numerology calculations.
No strategy or system can guarantee winning Daily 4 numbers. But many players find them fun to use when picking numbers for their combinations.
Daily 4 Number Prediction
It is impossible to accurately predict the exact numbers that will be drawn in the next Daily 4 game. The four winning numbers are randomly generated by a mechanical ball drawing machine. Each possible 4-digit combination has an equal 1 in 10,000 chance of being selected. However, some lottery prediction services claim to calculate probability statistics and assess patterns from past draws to suggest numbers with high chances of being chosen.
Where to Play Daily 4 in California
You can buy Daily 4 tickets:
- At any of over 23,000 authorized California Lottery retail locations across the state
- Through the California Lottery website
- Via the California Lottery mobile app
- Lottery ticket vending machines at certain retail locations
You must be physically located within California state borders at the time of ticket purchase. The Lottery will not sell tickets over state lines. Daily 4 tickets can not be purchased by mail or phone from the Lottery. You must be at least 18 years old to buy California Lottery tickets.
California Daily 4 Results
You can find the latest Daily 4 results a few different ways:
- California Lottery website – View recent Daily 4 winning numbers and draw videos
- Mobile app – Get push notifications of latest results
- Retailers – Winning numbers are displayed at all Lottery retailers
- Newspapers – Many CA newspapers print Daily 4 results
- Winning numbers hotline – Call 1-800-564-5812
Draw results are typically posted online within five minutes after the drawing occurs. Remember to always check your tickets yourself against the official Daily 4 results published by the Lottery.
How to Claim Daily 4 Prizes
For Daily 4 prizes up to $599 you can:
- Cash in at any Lottery retailer – They can scan your ticket to verify and pay prizes up to $599
- Use the Lottery’s website/app – Scan or enter your ticket into the Check-A-Ticket feature to confirm winnings under $599, then select cash pickup at a retailer or direct deposit
- Mail signed winning ticket to Lottery Headquarters – They will mail a check to the address on file
For Daily 4 prizes over $599 you must:
- Claim at a Lottery District Office – Bring your winning ticket to one of the Lottery’s District Offices for verification and cash/check payment
- Mail signed winning ticket to Lottery Headquarters – They will arrange a check payment via certified mail
Prizes over $599 can not be redeemed at retail locations. All mail claims require you to fill out a claim form and sign the winning ticket. Prizes must be claimed within 180 days after the draw date. See the Lottery website for locations of District Offices and full details on prize claims.
Daily 4 Bet Types
When playing Daily 4, you can choose from several different bet types. Each type has different odds, prizes, and ways to win. The main bet types are:
Straight Bet
Pick the exact 4 numbers in the exact order drawn. Match all 4 to win. Odds are 1 in 10,000. Pays up to $5,000 on a $1 bet.
Box Bet
Pick 4 numbers and match them in any order. More ways to win than a Straight bet. A 4-Way Box with 1111 wins if the numbers come in any order (1111, 1110, 1101, 1100, etc). Odds range from 1 in 417 to 1 in 2,500. Pays up to $1,250 on a $1 4-Way Box bet.
Straight/Box Bet
Covers both Straight and Box bets for the same 4 numbers. Get paid for Straight if they come in exact order or Box if in any order. Costs double since it’s essentially two plays in one. Pays Straight amount plus Box amount if numbers come in mixed order.
Front Pair/Back Pair Bet
Play either the Front Pair (first 2 digits) or the Back Pair (last 2 digits). Match just the 2-digit pair in exact order to win. Odds are 1 in 100. Pays up to $500 on a $1 bet.
These bet types give you flexibility in how you try to match the numbers. Straight offers the biggest prize but least ways to win, while Box provides more ways to match. Front/Back Pair focuses on just the 2-digit pairs.
Daily 4 Odds and Probabilities
Each Daily 4 draw consists of 4 numbers selected from 0 to 9. All possible number combinations have the same probability of being chosen. Some key odds and probabilities in Daily 4 include:
- Total number combinations: 10,000 (0-9 in each position)
- Straight bet odds: 1 in 10,000
- 4-Way Box bet odds: 1 in 2,500
- 3-unique digit 6-Way Box odds: 1 in 1,667
- 2 duplicate digit 12-Way Box odds: 1 in 834
- 4 identical digit 24-Way Box odds: 1 in 417
- Probability of any specific combo: 0.0001 (1/10,000) or 0.01%
No numbers or combinations have higher or lower odds. A set will come up on average once every 10,000 draws. Hot and cold numbers are just short term frequency fluctuations. In the long run, all Daily 4 combos hit about equally.
Daily 4 – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daily 4 only played in California?
No, Daily 4 and similar Pick-4 games are offered by lotteries in many other states nationwide. But rules and operations can vary between different states.
What days are Daily 4 drawings held?
Daily 4 drawings are held once per day, every day of the week – 365 days a year. Drawings occur in the evening around 6:59pm Pacific Time.
What happens if I miss buying a ticket before the cutoff time?
You cannot purchase Daily 4 tickets after 6:45pm on the day of the drawing. If you miss the cutoff, you must wait and buy tickets for the next drawing.
Can I play Daily 4 if I’m not a California resident?
No, you must be physically located within California state borders at the time of ticket purchase to play any CA Lottery games.
What is the difference between a Straight bet and a Box bet?
A Straight bet matches the numbers in exact order, while a Box bet matches in any order. Box provides more ways to win with the same set of numbers.
What are the most common Daily 4 numbers?
Statistics show the numbers 0, 3, 7, and 8 have been drawn most frequently in Daily 4. But all numbers have the same probability of being selected.
Can I use a lottery prediction service to pick winning numbers?
There are no proven or reliable methods to predict exact Daily 4 numbers. The draws are random and cannot be predicted with certainty.
How long do I have to claim my Daily 4 prize?
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim and redeem Daily 4 prizes. After 180 days, unclaimed prizes are forfeited.
What is the biggest Daily 4 jackpot possible?
The top prize on a $10 Straight bet in Daily 4 is $50,000. That is the largest single prize available without special promotions.
Can I buy Daily 4 tickets over the internet?
Yes, Daily 4 tickets can be purchased online at the California Lottery website as long as you are located within California.
Conclusion
Daily 4 is an enjoyable and easy to play lottery draw game from the California Lottery. To participate, pick four numbers from 0 to 9, select a bet type, wager amount, and match some or all digits to the drawing for a chance to win prizes up to $50,000. With different play options and daily drawings, Daily 4 gives players regular opportunities to win.
