How to Play Pick 5
You simply have to match five numbers to win Virginia Pick 5, but there are several ways to play. You can win the highest prize if you choose to match all five numbers in the exact order they're drawn. Additionally, you can increase your odds of winning by choosing to just match up the numbers, disregarding the order of the draw. Want the best of both worlds? Split your play to do both these options at the same time.
The ‘Day’ drawing takes place at 1:59 PM ET, with ticket sales stopping at 1:53 PM. The ‘Night’ draw is held at 11:00 PM ET, and you must buy tickets by 10:45 PM.
Here are more details on how to play Pick 5 in Virginia.
Choose Your Numbers
To get started, pick a five-digit number from 00000 to 99999. You can choose any combination of digits, including repeating numbers. If you’re unsure of your selection to pick, try using our ‘Number Generator’ for random sets.
Decide Your Play Type
Next choose your play type, as each option gives you different chances of winning. Your options are:
- Exact Order: Match five numbers in the exact order they are drawn to win the top prize.
- Any Order: Match five numbers in any order to win, the arrangement of those numbers does not matter.
- 50/50: Play both game types at once. Split a $1 play into two $0.50 plays, one for ‘Exact Order’ and one for ‘Any Order’.
If you submit an Any Order or 50/50 play, the combination of numbers that you choose helps to determine the odds of winning and the prize you can receive, so it’s worth considering which of the following to go with:
- 5-Way – Four of your five numbers are identical and only one is different, for example 11112. There are only ‘five ways’ that these numbers could be drawn – 11112, 11121, 11211, 12111 or 21111.
- 10-Way – You have one triple and one pair amongst your five digits, such as 11122 or 56565.
- 20-Way – Three of the numbers are the same and the other two are unique. An example would be 11123.
- 30-Way – This type of play contains two sets of pairs and a fifth number that is different, such as 11223 or 44556.
- 60-Way – Pick one pair and three unique numbers, for example 11234.
- 120-Way – All five numbers are different. The combination 12345, for example, could be arranged 120 ways.
Purchase Your Ticket
You can play Pick 5 for either $1 or $0.50. Tickets are available in Virginia from local gas stations or convenience stores. You then just need to keep your entry safe if you want to claim any winnings. Alternatively, you always have the option to buy a ticket online which will guarantee the safety of your ticket.
The Fireball Option
Adding Fireball increases your chances of winning by adding more combinations to your numbers. The Fireball is randomly selected at the end of each draw and can be used to replace any of the five drawn numbers. This gives you another chance to win if you matched four out of five, as the Fireball number can substitute the one you missed. View our ‘Fireball page’ for a more detailed explanation.
How to Win
You have to match five numbers to win Virginia Pick 5. The amount you win and the likelihood of winning depends on the play type you choose. For more information on the odds of winning visit our Odds and Prizes page here.
