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Eastern Time (GMT-5:00) | Pa. Lottery adds 'Wild Ball' feature to all numbers games Pennsylvania Lottery: Pa. Lottery adds 'Wild Ball' feature to all numbers gamesRating: Includes video report
By Todd Northrop The Pennsylvania Lottery has launched "Wild Ball," an optional add-on that gives players more chances to win the daily numbers games. The new feature is available for all of its "PICK" games (Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5), which are drawn twice daily. The first drawings featuring the new add-on were on Tuesday, Sept. 13. "Adding Wild Ball to your PICK ticket could allow you to win multiple times on a single play, making it even more fun to play and win," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. At every drawing, the Pennsylvania Lottery draws a one-digit Wild Ball number that applies to all four PICK games for that drawing. With purchase of the Wild Ball add-on, the Wild Ball number selected for that drawing can be used to replace any one of the numbers drawn for base game play to help create a winning combination for the play type on that ticket. If a player does not purchase the Wild Ball option, then the prizes are determined only in the traditional manner, and the Wild Ball number drawn does not have any effect. Players may not randomly insert any number to create a winning play; the Wild Ball number chosen by the Lottery must replace a drawn number. The Wild Ball feature offers a separate prize structure, which makes it possible for a player to win prizes with base game play and with Wild Ball, or through Wild Ball alone. A list of prizes available for each drawing — with and without the Wild Ball — is available by clicking the "Prize Payouts" link directly next to the drawing results at Lottery Post's Pennsylvania Lottery Results page. Adding Wild Ball doubles the cost of a PICK base game play. For example, a $1 play will cost a total of $2 if the player adds Wild Ball. Players who do not wish to add Wild Ball can continue to play PICK games as they always have done; there are no changes to the base games. Players will need to fill out new play slips. Through September 30, Wild Ball kick-off events will be held at select PA Lottery retailers, allowing customers to learn how to play PICK games with Wild Ball, get a coupon, enter in-store second-chance drawings and enjoy other fun promotions. A schedule of events may be found on the Wild Ball page at palottery.com. VIDEO: How to play with Wild Ball 
Lottery Post Staff
Wyomissing, PA United States Member #161043 November 15, 2014 481 Posts Offline | Assuming I'm calculating correctly, it appears the payback on Wild Ball is around 60-62%, in most instances, depending on the Pick game and wager type it's played with. From all appearances, Wild Ball can be a worthwhile wager that pays more than other side-bets. For example, say one plays 500 in the Pick-3. Some possible outcomes: Pick 3 Straight for $0.50 and box $0.50 (traditional 50/50 wager) pays $250 and/or $80 ... total: $330 or $80 (1 in 1000 and 1 in ~333 respectively). Pick 3 Straight for $0.50 and Wild Ball instead for $0.50 pays $250 and/or $100 ... total: $350 or $100 (an extra $20 more for same odds as above). PA Pick 3 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following Types
of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 1000 | $250 | 333.33 | $100 | | 3-Way Box | 333.33 | $80 | 111.11 | $36 | | 6-Way Box | 166.67 | $40 | 55.56 | $18 | | Front Pair | 100 | $25 | 50 | $15 | | Back Pair | 100 | $25 | 50 | $15 |
Wild Ball is offered for all PA Pick games... PA Pick 2 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following
Types of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 | | Box | 50 | $25 | 25 | $15 | | Front Digit | 10 | $5 | 10 | $6 | | Back Digit | 10 | $5 | 10 | $6 |
PA Pick 4 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following Types
of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 10,000 | $2,500 | 2,500 | $750 | | 4-Way Box | 2,500 | $600 | 625 | $195 | | 6-Way Box | 1,667 | $400 | 416.67 | $130 | | 12-Way Box | 833.33 | $200 | 208.33 | $65 | | 24-Way Box | 416.67 | $100 | 104.17 | $30 |
PA Pick 5 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following
Types of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball
Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 100,000 | $50,000 | 20,000 | $12,000 | | 5-Way Box | 20,000 | $10,000 | 4,000 | $2,400 | | 10-Way Box | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,000 | $1,200 | | 20-Way Box | 5,000 | $2,500 | 1,000 | $600 | | 30-Way Box | 3333 | $1,700 | 666.67 | $400 | | 60-Way Box | 1667 | $850 | 333.33 | $200 | | 120-Way Box | 833.33 | $425 | 166.67 | $100 | | Front Four | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,500 | $1,500 | | Back Four | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,500 | $1,500 | | Front Three | 1,000 | $500 | 333.33 | $200 | | Back Three | 1,000 | $500 | 333.33 | $200 | | Front Pair | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 | | Back Pair | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 |
All in all, PA Wild Ball appears to be an interesting new variation for the lottery, and worthwhile for players who like to side-bet; win more often. | | |
United States Member #153767 March 24, 2014 5403 Posts Online | Assuming I'm calculating correctly, it appears the payback on Wild Ball is around 60-62%, in most instances, depending on the Pick game and wager type it's played with. From all appearances, Wild Ball can be a worthwhile wager that pays more than other side-bets. For example, say one plays 500 in the Pick-3. Some possible outcomes: Pick 3 Straight for $0.50 and box $0.50 (traditional 50/50 wager) pays $250 and/or $80 ... total: $330 or $80 (1 in 1000 and 1 in ~333 respectively). Pick 3 Straight for $0.50 and Wild Ball instead for $0.50 pays $250 and/or $100 ... total: $350 or $100 (an extra $20 more for same odds as above). PA Pick 3 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following Types
of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 1000 | $250 | 333.33 | $100 | | 3-Way Box | 333.33 | $80 | 111.11 | $36 | | 6-Way Box | 166.67 | $40 | 55.56 | $18 | | Front Pair | 100 | $25 | 50 | $15 | | Back Pair | 100 | $25 | 50 | $15 |
Wild Ball is offered for all PA Pick games... PA Pick 2 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following
Types of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 | | Box | 50 | $25 | 25 | $15 | | Front Digit | 10 | $5 | 10 | $6 | | Back Digit | 10 | $5 | 10 | $6 |
PA Pick 4 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following Types
of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball Probability
Of Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 10,000 | $2,500 | 2,500 | $750 | | 4-Way Box | 2,500 | $600 | 625 | $195 | | 6-Way Box | 1,667 | $400 | 416.67 | $130 | | 12-Way Box | 833.33 | $200 | 208.33 | $65 | | 24-Way Box | 416.67 | $100 | 104.17 | $30 |
PA Pick 5 Wild Ball: Win With The
Following
Types of Play: | Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Prize Won: | Wild Ball
Probability Of
Winning Per
Play Is 1 In: | Wild Ball
Prize Won: |
|---|
| Straight | 100,000 | $50,000 | 20,000 | $12,000 | | 5-Way Box | 20,000 | $10,000 | 4,000 | $2,400 | | 10-Way Box | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,000 | $1,200 | | 20-Way Box | 5,000 | $2,500 | 1,000 | $600 | | 30-Way Box | 3333 | $1,700 | 666.67 | $400 | | 60-Way Box | 1667 | $850 | 333.33 | $200 | | 120-Way Box | 833.33 | $425 | 166.67 | $100 | | Front Four | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,500 | $1,500 | | Back Four | 10,000 | $5,000 | 2,500 | $1,500 | | Front Three | 1,000 | $500 | 333.33 | $200 | | Back Three | 1,000 | $500 | 333.33 | $200 | | Front Pair | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 | | Back Pair | 100 | $50 | 50 | $30 |
All in all, PA Wild Ball appears to be an interesting new variation for the lottery, and worthwhile for players who like to side-bet; win more often. If I recall we live in the same area. I am NE Philly. Maybe they want more winners, more revenue, need to read more about this. I stink at pick three. Not even doing the pick 4. I like the challenge of mega millions and powerball. Will check mathematics equasions. | | |
A long and winding road United States Member #17083 June 10, 2005 6618 Posts Offline | Usually advantageous when doubles are already pulled and the wild fills in the mystery pattern! In pick 4 .. If you have 3 of the numbers.. Which I had yesterday.. Just adding that wild would have won a small win.. I do box when not 100%. The pick5 could really gain from this as it usually has at least one set of doubles on it ... | | |
Wyomissing, PA United States Member #161043 November 15, 2014 481 Posts Offline | Usually advantageous when doubles are already pulled and the wild fills in the mystery pattern! In pick 4 .. If you have 3 of the numbers.. Which I had yesterday.. Just adding that wild would have won a small win.. I do box when not 100%. The pick5 could really gain from this as it usually has at least one set of doubles on it ... You're spot on about Wild Ball and Pick-5. Doubles are very common. Wild Ball odds compared to odds of a traditional box is 3X better for Pick-3, 4X better for Pick-4, and 5X better for Pick 5. That 5X odds improvement over regular box makes Pick-5 more satisfying for players who side-bet and seek to win more often. | | |
PA United States Member #66139 October 16, 2008 1998 Posts Offline | Screw PA I only play Powerball and Mega Millions That's all that they get from me 
dpoly1 - Playing the lottery to save the jobs of those that build, transport, sell & maintain luxury items! - Eschew Poverty ........... Vote Conservative! | | |
United States Member #52343 May 21, 2007 3401 Posts Offline | Screw PA I only play Powerball and Mega Millions That's all that they get from me
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Pennsylvania United States Member #74094 May 2, 2009 24135 Posts Offline | Just remember to play your plays in increments of .50 for straight. Winning $500 plus the $200 for straight is going to give the state their cut on $1.00 or more bet plus Wild ball. I got a good win on 995 yesterday with Wild ball #4 by playing 495 str/box and 499 super straight. I like it so far. You need at least 2 numbers drawn plus the wild ball exchanges one of the three. | | |
N.C. United States Member #56003 October 28, 2007 877 Posts Offline | will the ticket prices go up? "know your limitations, but excede your expectations" | | |
A long and winding road United States Member #17083 June 10, 2005 6618 Posts Offline | will the ticket prices go up? Yes. Essentially it's double cost. 50cent box play now becomes $1 for wild add on included. what is mind blowing is payouts have dropped substantially while the state is reaping in the revenue. I have not see such a consistency of such low payouts ever. I do my best to refrain from assumptions on states marketing.. Yet I do think this new system of play may be the thorn in their side. Ppl will stop playing if they do not see a higher and more consistent level of overall payouts... | | |
Wyomissing, PA United States Member #161043 November 15, 2014 481 Posts Offline | Yes. Essentially it's double cost. 50cent box play now becomes $1 for wild add on included. what is mind blowing is payouts have dropped substantially while the state is reaping in the revenue. I have not see such a consistency of such low payouts ever. I do my best to refrain from assumptions on states marketing.. Yet I do think this new system of play may be the thorn in their side. Ppl will stop playing if they do not see a higher and more consistent level of overall payouts... Wild Ball has better payback than the base games it's added to. See my first reply for an illustration of that with Pick 3 50/50 verses Pick3 Straight with Wild Ball. Also, PA Lottery Pick-3 and Pick-4 payouts haven't changed in decades. And later added Pick-2 and Pick-5 games have similar ~50% payback. Whether PA Lottery can convince enough players to add Wild Ball is another matter, but from a statistical aspect, relatively speaking, it's a good deal for players who like to side-bet. | | |
United States Member #138723 February 4, 2013 2971 Posts Offline | Sounds good to me...
 *If you live in IL and want legal regulated online poker... Click on me
*How much money could Illinois make from regulated iGaming? Click on me
*If you live in Michigan and want legal regulated online poker... Click on me
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A long and winding road United States Member #17083 June 10, 2005 6618 Posts Offline | Wild Ball has better payback than the base games it's added to. See my first reply for an illustration of that with Pick 3 50/50 verses Pick3 Straight with Wild Ball. Also, PA Lottery Pick-3 and Pick-4 payouts haven't changed in decades. And later added Pick-2 and Pick-5 games have similar ~50% payback. Whether PA Lottery can convince enough players to add Wild Ball is another matter, but from a statistical aspect, relatively speaking, it's a good deal for players who like to side-bet. I'm clearly stating that this past week has shown a huge drop in Accumulative PAYOUTS DAILY for the Pick2, Pick 3, Pick4 and Pick 5. Feel free to go look. The WildBall has its stats and yes it will grease the wheel to keep those wishing to play to do so. | | |
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