What is PA Lottery Pick 2?
PA Lottery Pick 2 is a daily numbers game offered by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Players choose 2 numbers from 0 to 9, and can play different bet types like Straight, Box, Front Pair, Back Pair, and Split Pair. Twice a day, at 12:59 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. ET, two sets of 2 numbers are randomly drawn. Prizes are based on how many of the numbers a player matches. Pick 2 has a minimum play of $1.
How do you play PA Lottery Pick 2?
To play Pick 2, first decide which bet type you want:
Straight Bet
With a Straight bet, you pick 2 numbers and if they exactly match the numbers drawn in the correct order, you win. The odds of winning a Straight bet are 1 in 100.
Box Bet
With a Box bet, you pick 2 numbers and win if they match the winning numbers in any order. The odds depend on if you play a 2-Way Box (2 possible number combinations) or 4-Way Box (4 possible combinations).
Front Pair
You win a Front Pair bet if the first number matches. The odds are 1 in 10.
Back Pair
You win a Back Pair bet if the second number matches. The odds are also 1 in 10.
Split Pair
You win a Split Pair bet if either of your numbers match either of the winning numbers. The odds of winning are 1 in 5.
Once you pick your bet type and numbers, take your play slip to a lottery retailer or purchase your ticket online. Then wait for the drawings at 12:59 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. ET to see if you’re a winner!
What are the PA Lottery Pick 2 prize payouts?
Here are the prize payouts for different bet types and matches:
| Bet Type | Match | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Both numbers in exact order | $50 on $1 play |
| 2-Way Box | Both numbers in any order | $25 on $1 play |
| 4-Way Box | Both numbers in any order | $12.50 on $1 play |
| Front Pair | First number | $5 on $1 play |
| Back Pair | Second number | $5 on $1 play |
| Split Pair | Either number | $2.50 on $1 play |
For example, if you played a $1 Straight bet and matched both numbers exactly, you would win $50. Box bet payouts are lower because your odds of winning are better.
What are the PA Lottery Pick 2 draw times?
Pick 2 drawings happen twice a day:
- Midday draw: 12:59 p.m. ET
- Evening draw: 7:59 p.m. ET
You can watch the midday and evening drawings live on some local TV stations. Winning numbers are also posted at palottery.com and via the Lottery’s mobile app.
Can you buy PA Lottery Pick 2 tickets online?
Yes, PA Lottery Pick 2 tickets can be purchased online if you:
- Are a PA resident 18 years or older
- Have an internet connection
- Have a valid credit or debit card
- Are physically located in Pennsylvania at time of purchase
To play online:
- Create an account at palottery.com
- Deposit funds into your account wallet
- Select Pick 2 game
- Choose bet type and numbers
- Confirm ticket details and purchase
Your ticket is digitally generated and you can view it in your account. An email confirmation is also sent.
Where can you buy PA Lottery Pick 2 tickets?
In addition to palottery.com, you can buy Pick 2 tickets at authorized PA Lottery retailers across the state including:
- Supermarkets
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacies
- Big box stores
- Bars and restaurants
Look for the official PA Lottery logo to find retailers selling tickets. You can also use the Lottery retailer locator tool online. Most retailers have self-service terminals where you can quickly print your ticket.
Can you play the same PA Lottery Pick 2 numbers twice?
Yes, you can play the same Pick 2 numbers as many times as you want. Numbers can be played for both the midday and evening draws on the same day if desired. Playing the same numbers repeatedly is called “number setting” and some players utilize it as part of their lottery strategy.
Do PA Lottery Pick 2 numbers repeat often?
All number combinations have an equal chance of being drawn each time. There are 100 possible number combinations (00, 01, 02…97, 98, 99). In the short term, some numbers may appear to repeat more often just by chance, but over a long period they are expected to repeat at an equal frequency. No numbers or combinations have a better “luck” factor.
What are the odds of winning PA Lottery Pick 2?
The odds vary based on the type of bet:
- Straight bet: 1 in 100
- 2-Way Box: 1 in 50
- 4-Way Box: 1 in 25
- Front Pair: 1 in 10
- Back Pair: 1 in 10
- Split Pair: 1 in 5
So your best odds are with a Split Pair bet, where you have a 1 in 5 chance of winning a prize. The hardest bet to win is a Straight, where the numbers must match exactly. But a Straight bet also has the biggest payout.
What is the PA Lottery Pick 2 payout percentage?
The payout percentage tells you what portion of total sales is paid back to players as prizes. For Pick 2, approximately 50% of sales are awarded as prizes. The other 50% goes to support programs benefitting older Pennsylvanians. Pick 2 has better payout odds than draw games like Powerball.
What happens if there is a PA Lottery Pick 2 drawing error?
On rare occasions, a drawing error or malfunction may occur. If it is determined that a drawing was flawed, the PA Lottery may take steps like:
- Void the drawing and re-draw new winning numbers
- Pay prizes on non-wining number combinations from the error drawing
- Take other remedial actions as needed
The Lottery always aims for complete integrity and transparency. All drawings are observed by independent auditors. If an error occurs, their policy is to rectify it in a fair manner for players.
Can you use lucky numbers when playing PA Lottery Pick 2?
Many players like to use significant dates, ages, address numbers, and other figures as their “lucky” Pick 2 numbers. This is perfectly fine. Statistically, your lucky numbers have the same probability of winning as any other combination. In the end, the numbers are randomly drawn so no choices have an advantage. But playing meaningful numbers can make the experience more fun.
Is there a way to increase your chances of winning PA Lottery Pick 2?
There is no secret trick that can improve your odds in Pick 2. All combinations have an equal chance of being selected. Here are some legit strategies that may boost your chances:
- Play multiple number combinations – buy more tickets
- Pool your money with other players to buy more tickets
- Try a bet type with better odds like Split Pair
- Consider playing numbers that are rarely drawn
- Use a balanced mix of low, high, and mid-range numbers
In the end, luck determines the winning numbers. But these tips may modestly increase your probability of taking home a prize.
What days/times have the best payouts for PA Lottery Pick 2?
Payouts do not vary based on the day or time numbers are drawn. The published prize structure remains constant. There may be fluctuation in payouts from drawing to drawing, but over the long run, a consistent percentage is paid out. No pick day or time gives you an advantage. The PA Lottery carefully controls all aspects of Pick 2 to ensure fair outcomes.
How old do you have to be to play PA Lottery Pick 2?
You must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase PA Lottery tickets, including Pick 2. When buying in person, you may be asked to show ID to confirm your age. If under 18, it is illegal to play, and any winnings would be invalidated. Responsible gambling practices should always be followed, only playing with discretionary income.
Can you buy PA Lottery Pick 2 tickets as a gift?
Yes, Lottery tickets can be given as gifts in Pennsylvania. However, they should only be gifted to adults over the age of 18. When giving Lottery tickets, ensure the recipient meets the age requirements. Also be sure to give the tickets in a safe manner that does not promote excessive gambling. Lottery gifts should be just for fun.
Is PA Lottery Pick 2 available every day?
Pick 2 drawings run daily, 365 days a year. Drawings are conducted every day of the week, including holidays. The midday and evening draws continue even on Christmas, New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, and other holidays. Players can enjoy the game and check results year-round.
What time do PA Lottery Pick 2 ticket sales close?
You can buy Pick 2 tickets up until approximately 15 minutes before each drawing. Here are the sales cutoff times:
- Midday draw – 12:45 p.m. ET
- Evening draw – 7:45 p.m. ET
Any ticket purchased before these times will be valid for that day’s upcoming drawings. Make sure to get your plays in before ticket sales close.
Where does the money for PA Lottery Pick 2 prizes come from?
Prizes for Pick 2 are funded out of total ticket sales. Approximately 50% of sales go into the prize pool. For example, if $1 million worth of Pick 2 tickets are sold, around $500,000 would be available for payouts to winners. This allows the Lottery to support the guaranteed prizes.
Are PA Lottery Pick 2 drawings truly random?
Yes, Pick 2 results are determined by certified random number generator computers. The drawings are conducted under highly secure conditions monitored by independent auditors. Each number combination has an equal probability of being chosen. This gives players fair odds and makes Pick 2 a game of pure chance.
Can Pick 2 numbers be manually drawn?
Historically, winning numbers were determined by manual ball drawings. However, today’s Pick 2 games rely exclusively on RNG computers to randomly select numbers. Manual drawings are obsolete and no longer used due to the accuracy and speed of RNG technology. Pennsylvania carefully ensures fair and tamper-proof results.
Where can I find PA Lottery Pick 2 results?
There are several ways to get Pick 2 results:
- PA Lottery website and mobile app – View latest midday and evening draws
- Lottery retailer terminals – Print official draw reports
- Local TV news – Tuning in for lottery drawings
- Newspapers – Listings published in PA papers
- Radio announcements – Numbers reported on PA stations
Results are readily accessible in multiple formats shortly after each drawing occurs. Players can check numbers using their preferred source.
Can PA Lottery Pick 2 have repeat winning numbers?
It is possible for the same numbers to be drawn more than once, even consecutively. All number combinations have an equal probability of being selected each drawing. Past draws do not affect future results. Over the long run, every number should repeat at a similar frequency, but repeats can happen over a shorter timeframe. This is normal for a random game like Pick 2.
How long has PA Lottery Pick 2 been offered?
Pennsylvania’s Pick 2 game launched in 1981 as one of the Lottery’s first draw offerings. It has been played daily for over 40 years, giving it one of the longest histories among U.S. lottery games. Pick 2’s longevity speaks to its popularity among PA players for affordable daily entertainment.
Where does PA Lottery revenue go?
Since its start in 1971, the PA Lottery has generated over $30 billion to help older residents. Lottery profits provide funds for:
- Property tax and rent rebates
- Reduced-fare transit
- Low-cost prescription drugs
- Long-term living services
- Meals and activities at senior centers
So playing fun games like Pick 2 also does good!
Is PA Lottery Pick 2 available in other states?
Yes, Pick 2 and similar “straight/box” games are offered by lotteries across the U.S. and Canada. The basic play style and odds are comparable. However, each lottery has jurisdiction over its own version so rules and prizes vary. Make sure to check the official game rules for the state you are playing in.
Who regulates and oversees PA Lottery games?
The Pennsylvania Lottery was created by the state legislature as an independent government agency. They self-regulate operations under state law and legislative oversight. Additionally, an outside firm audits all aspects of games like Pick 2 for fairness and accuracy. This ensures public trust in the games.
Conclusion
PA Lottery’s Pick 2 gives players an affordable way to take a chance on fun and prizes every day. By choosing 2 numbers and a bet type, you gain an opportunity to match the randomly drawn results. While the game involves luck, knowing the ins and outs of how Pick 2 works can make for a better experience. Just remember to play responsibly and enjoy! Good luck PA players.
