Daily draw games are popular games of chance in many states in America. You get the chance to pick numbers and see if they match the daily draw. Daily 3 and Daily 4 are two of the most straightforward options, but each has unique features that suit different gameplay preferences. 

Whether you prefer the bigger multi-state games like POWERBALL© and MEGA MILLIONS® or want to try your chances at something a little different, this article dives into what makes Daily 3 different from Daily 4. 

An overview of Daily 3

Daily 3 is a three-digit game where you pick numbers from 000 to 999. You can play it in two main ways: Exact Order means your numbers must match the draw in the exact sequence. Any Order lets the same digits qualify in any sequence order.

The top payout for Exact Order is $500 on a $1 ticket. Drawings happen every day at 6:59 PM ET. You must buy tickets at least 10 minutes before the draw in order to take part.

What about Daily 4?

Daily 4 works the same way but – you guessed it – it uses four digits instead of three. Your combinations range from 0000 to 9999. You can still play Exact Order or Any Order, but the payout potential is much higher. The top prize for Exact Order reaches $5,000 on a $1 ticket.

Drawings are also at 6:59 PM ET daily, with the same 10-minute cutoff for ticket purchases.

Key differences

The obvious difference is the number of digits. However, that extra digit in Daily 4 creates thousands more possible combinations. This affects your odds and explains why the payouts are higher.

If you want simpler gameplay with fewer numbers to consider, you may want to try Daily 3. However, if you don’t mind the extra complexity for a shot at bigger prizes, Daily 4 might be your choice.

Play styles

Both games offer flexible betting options. Exact Order gives the highest payout potential but requires your numbers to match the exact sequence. Any Order pays less but gives you more ways to win as you could receive a payout if your digits appear in any order.

You can also try Boxed or Straight/Boxed bets at most retailers or online, meaning you can customise how you play, no matter if you choose Daily 3 or Daily 4. 

Where to play

You can buy tickets at licensed retailers, vending machines and at a regulated online site such as the West Virginia Lottery if you’re playing within that state. You can check game results on the official Lottery website or mobile app and manage or purchase tickets and view results from anywhere in the state you have internet access.

Both games have the same daily schedule and similar rules. The extra digit in Daily 4 changes the game’s odds and payout potential. If you prefer keeping things simple, Daily 3 might suit you better. If you’re looking to add that extra number and change the odds, Daily 4 could better suit your preferences.