Numbers 3

Numbers 3 is just one of multiple lottery games available in Japan.

A Numbers 3 ticket costs JPY 200.

Players select three numbers from 0 to 9.

The top prize is called a Straight, which pays out JPY 90,000.

Players can make a Box bet for numbers drawn in any order. This only pays out 16.67% of the main prize, corresponding to three different numbers and six possible combinations.

Draws take place daily from Monday to Friday.

How to Play Numbers 3?

To play Numbers 3, select a three-digit number from each box provided on the ticket depending on how many times you wish to play.

See the table below as an example of someone who makes three bets: Box A, Box B and Box C.

In Box A, 012 is chosen.

If you go for the Straight bet top prize, these numbers must be drawn in exact order for the top prize of JPY 90,000.

If you go for a Box bet, these numbers can be drawn in any order for 16.67% (one-sixth) of the main prize. Easy, right?

In Box B, 555 is chosen.

Only a Straight bet top prize can be chosen in this instance. An any-order Box bet would make no sense.

In Box C, 135 is chosen.

Again, this is applicable for a Straight bet or a Box bet.

To win the main Straight bet prize of JPY 90,000, 135 must be selected in exact order.

If you go for a Box bet, 135 can be drawn in any order, such as 531, 153, etc.

Remember, a Box bet only pays out JPY 15,000, just 16.67% of the main prize!

Odds and Prizes

The odds of winning the Numbers 3 main prize are 1 in 1,000 for the Straight bet prize.

The odds of winning a Box bet prize of JPY 15.000 are much better at 1 in 167.

Note: Payouts are only 10% in comparison to Numbers 4, but entry is only 10% as well!

Multiple tickets and future draws

You can purchase multiple tickets for multiple future draws if you wish.

If you want to buy two or more tickets with the same amount of bets and numbers:

1. Use the column second farthest to the right, as shown on your ticket.
2. Select between 2 and 10 for the number of tickets to purchase.

If you want the same sets of numbers for future draws.

Excellent! You can do this too.

1. Use the column to the very farthest right on your ticket.
2. Again, choose between 2 and 10 for the number of future draws.

Payouts and Taxes

Lottery winnings in Japan are paid out as lump sums only, with players having up to 12 months to claim their winnings from authorized lottery retailers or participating banks.

Players who buy tickets at an ATM in Japan will have their winnings directly paid into a respective bank account.

Japan DOES NOT TAX lottery prizes!

Additional taxes for gifting 1.1 million or more in winnings to friends or relatives does not apply because the maximum Numbers 3 payout is only JPY 90,000.

Numbers 3 is therefore a great game for quick and easy winnings!

It is cheaper than Numbers 4 and easier to win, but pays out much less.

Players from abroad should check local tax laws to find out if they need to pay tax at home.

Who Can Play Numbers 3?

Anyone can play Numbers 3 in Japan,but only genuine residents of Japan can claim or collect lottery prizes!

To qualify as a legitimate resident you must reside in that country for an uninterrupted period of one full tax year (January 1 through December 31).

Not Japanese then? Never mind, you can still play Numbers 3 for pure fun!

Where Can I Play Numbers 3

Numbers 3 tickets are usually bought at authorized Takarakuji booths - an authorized retailer across all of Japan - as well as from the official website and even at selected ATMs.

Participants must be at least 20 years of age.

Fun fact: Chapter 23 of the Criminal Code of Japan states that gambling is a banned activity! But special laws allow football pools, public sports and - you got it - LOTTERIES.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the same three digits such as 000 or 111?

Yes, you can. But this is only applicable for the main prize - theStraight bet type. All three digits must be drawn in exact order.

What is the difference between a Box bet and a Straight bet?

If you choose a Straight bet, each number must be drawn in the exact order shown on your ticket.

In a Box bet, these numbers can be drawn in any order.

But there is no point choosing 000 for a Box bet when you can only win one-sixth of the main prize! Instead, choose three different numbers such as 012 to turn the odds in your favor.

When choosing 012 for a Box bet, you will win in ALL of the six following combinations:

012 / 021

102 / 120

201 / 210

Can I bet more than once?

Yes, you definitely can.

If you wish to make a single bet, choose numbers from Box A only. For two bets, choose Box A and Box B, etc. See the table above.

Is the winning amount always the same?

Actually, NO it isn't!

The top prize of JPY 90,000 is classified as a theoretical amount because it depends on the amount of sales and the number of winning tickets sold.

Two or more people can have the same winning numbers for the Straight bet main prize, therefore reducing the jackpot.