As Pick 4 is a game with so many play types, it also means there are lots of different prize amounts that can be won. The top payout is worth 6,000 times your stake - more than most other states that offer Pick 4 - if you play a Straight and match the numbers exactly.
Prizes increase proportionally as you wager more, so it is even possible to win $30,000 for a $5 Straight play. The payouts aren't quite so high for the other play types, but the odds are far better. The table below shows the prizes and odds for each play type. If you wager more than $1, multiply the prize value shown by the dollar amount spent.
| Play Type | Odds | $0.50 Prize | $1.00 Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 10,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| 4-Way Box | 1 in 2,500 | $750 | $1,500 |
| 6-Way Box | 1 in 1,667 | $500 | $1,000 |
| 12-Way Box | 1 in 813 | $250 | $500 |
| 24-Way Box | 1 in 417 | $125 | $250 |
| 4-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 2,500 | N/A | $3,750 for a Straight/Box, $750 for Box only |
| 6-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 1,667 | N/A | $3,500 for a Straight/Box, $500 for Box only |
| 12-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 833 | N/A | $3,250 for a Straight/Box, $250 for Box only |
| 24-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 417 | N/A | $3,125 for a Straight/Box, $125 for Box only |
| Front Pair | 1 in 100 | $30 | $60 |
| Back Pair | 1 in 100 | $30 | $60 |
All Pick 4 prizes are fixed amounts, but the Iowa Lottery does have the right to declare a 'sell-out' and halt ticket sales for certain number combinations. This happens when the game's liability limit is reached, and is in place to ensure that winners can always be paid out in full.
If you win a prize on Pick 4, it must be claimed within 90 days of the draw date. Be mindful of this short claim period, as it is half the length of the time you have to come forward for some other games in Iowa such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
For prizes of up to $600, you can just go to a lottery retailer to cash it in. If sufficient funds aren't available, you will need to claim by mail.
If you win a larger amount, your options are to claim by mail or go to an Iowa Lottery office. A claim form is required, along with valid photo ID. The addresses of the lottery offices are shown below:
Lottery Headquarters
13001 University Ave
Clive IA 50325-8225
Cedar Rapids Regional Office
2345 Blairs Ferry Rd NE
Cedar Rapids IA 52402-1918
Mason City Regional Office
2900 4th St SW
Mason City IA 50401-1531
Storm Lake Regional Office
822 Flindt Dr
Storm Lake IA 50588-3205
For mail-in claims, complete the name and address information on the back of your ticket and send it in to the Iowa Lottery at the address shown above for the headquarters in Clive.