In Pick 3, a fourth number between 0 and 9 is randomly selected after the main draw. This is known as the Fireball number, and it serves to create more winning combinations. You have the option to add Fireball to your Pick 3 play and give yourself a better chance of winning, or leave it off.
Just like the draw for the three main numbers, the Fireball is selected from a field containing every digit from 0 to 9. Even if the Pick 3 draw has produced three identical numbers (for example 1-1-1), there is a chance the Fireball could also be the same.
If you add the Fireball option to your play, it allows you to replace any of the three drawn numbers with the Fireball. Adding the fireball doubles the cost of a play.
You win a prize if your selected numbers match any of the Fireball winning combinations.
You can win a prize with Fireball regardless of your Pick 3 play style, if the right numbers come up. For example, if you play the ‘Exact Order’ method and pick 1-2-3, then the winning numbers are 7-2-3, with a Fireball of 1, you can use the Fireball number of 1 to replace the winning 7. This would give you one winning combination, which would be worth $90 for a $1 play or £180 for a $2 play.
It is possible for Fireball to give you multiple wins. For example, if you play ‘Any Order’ with the numbers 4-4-8, the winning line is 8-8-4, and the Fireball is 4, you can use the Fireball to replace either of the winning 8s. This would then give you two wins, leaving you with a payout of $60 for a $1 play or $120 for a $2 play.
You can see all the possible payouts on the Prizes page, but the table below shows some examples and how many wins you can get in each case.
| Play Type | Winning Combinations | Your Numbers | Winning Numbers | Fireball Number Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 different numbers | 1 Win | 1-2-3 | 7-2-3 | 1 |
| 2 numbers the same and one different | 2 Wins | 5-6-6 | 5-6-6 | 6 |
| 1 Win | 5-6-6 | 9-6-6 | 5 | |
| 3 identical numbers | 3 Wins | 8-8-8 | 8-8-8 | 8 |
| 1 Win | 8-8-8 | 8-1-8 | 8 |
| Play Type | Winning Combinations | Your Numbers | Winning Numbers | Fireball Number Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Way | 3 Wins | 4-4-8 | 4-4-4 | 8 |
| 2 Wins | 4-4-8 | 8-8-4 | 4 | |
| 1 Win | 4-4-8 | 0-4-8 | 4 | |
| 6-Way | 2 Wins | 5-6-7 | 5-6-5 | 7 |
| 1 Win | 5-6-7 | 5-6-1 | 7 |
The number of extra winning combinations that Fireball creates can make it appear to be quite a complicated feature, but adding it to your playslip is as simple as marking a box or mentioning it to the retailer. You can also check whether you are a winner by simply taking your Pick 3 ticket to a Texas Lottery retailer and letting them scan it.