One of Pick 3’s most eye-catching features is Fireball, as it gives you the opportunity to win a prize even if you haven’t matched all the main numbers. It’s an add-on option so it won’t be included on your ticket unless you select it. Find out more about how it works below and see examples of how it can turn losing tickets into winning plays.
The Fireball is the fourth number selected in a Pick 3 draw. Just like the three main numbers, it is drawn from its own field of 10 balls marked from 0 to 9. This number acts like a wild, so it can be used to replace any of the other three numbers to make new combinations.
All you need to do to include Fireball on your ticket is to select the option on your playslip or tell the retailer you would like it adding on. It doubles the cost of a play but gives you a much better chance of winning. You do not need to select any extra numbers or do anything different to include Fireball.
If you don’t select the Fireball option at the point of purchase, you won’t be able to add it later on if it transpires that it could help you to win a prize.
Fireball wins are separate and additional to other Pick 3 payouts. You can win a Fireball prize with any play type.
To receive a payout, you just need to have a winning combination once you have swapped out one of the three main numbers and put the Fireball in its place. Here are some examples of Fireball wins.
| Play Type | Your Numbers | Winning Numbers | Fireball Number Drawn | Winning Combinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exact Order | 246 | 247 | 6 | Replacing the 7 with the Fireball of 6 gives you a win |
| Any Order | 122 | 112 | 2 | This gives you two wins, as you can replace both 1s to give you a pair of new combinations - 212 and 122 |
| 50/50 | 899 | 099 | 8 | Swap out the 0 for the Fireball of 8 to make 899 - giving you an Exact Order win and an Any Order win |
| Combo | 011 | 111 | 0 | You can replace all three 1s from the winning line with the Fireball of 0, giving you three separate wins - 011, 101 and 110 |
| Pairs | 37X | 27X | 3 | Put the 3 in place of the 2 to give you a winning combination of 37 |
You can find out exactly how much you can win, and the chances of success, by going to the Prizes and Odds page. If you’re not sure whether you have a Fireball win, simply take your ticket to a Virginia Lottery retailer and they will be able to scan it for you.
