You can win up to $5,000 for a $1 wager in Pick 4, if you play a Straight and match all the numbers in exact order. The other bet types have lower payouts but better odds, so you need to think carefully about which Ways to Play.
The following table shows all the bet types and their odds of winning, along with the prize for a $0.50 play or a $1 play. You can also wager up to $5 for the opportunity to win even more.
| Play Type | Odds of Winning | Prize ($0.50 Wager) | Prize ($1 Wager) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 1 in 10,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| 4-Way Box | 1 in 2,500 | $625 | $1,250 |
| 6-Way Box | 1 in 1,667 | $417 | $834 |
| 12-Way Box | 1 in 833 | $208 | $416 |
| 24-Way Box | 1 in 417 | $104 | $208 |
| 4-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 2,500 | N/Ae | $3,125 for a Straight/Box, $625 for Box only |
| 6-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 1,667 | N/A | $2,917 for a Straight/Box, $417 for Box only |
| 12-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 833 | N/A | $2,708 for a Straight/Box, $208 for Box only |
| 24-Way Straight/Box | 1 in 10,000/1 in 417 | N/A | $2,604 for a Straight/Box, $104 for Box only |
| Any Pair Play | 1 in 100 | $25 | $50 |
| Single Digit | 1 in 10 | $2.50 | $5 |
There's no rollovers in Pick 4. The payout amounts are fixed, so you'll always receive the same. However, there is a liability limit, which is in place to ensure that all winners do get the advertised prize. All it means is that ticket sales might cut off for certain combinations if too many players are picking the same numbers. The limit for Pick 4 is $200,000 for each state in the Tri-State game, making a total limit of $600,000.
There are a few ways to claim prizes for Pick 4, but a lot depends on the value of your win. For a payout of up to $600, the simplest method is just to visit a retail agent. For a larger amount, it is still possible to go to a retailer to start the process. They will give you a 'Claim Receipt', then you must either go the Maine Lottery office in person or mail in your claim.
If you claim from the Maine Lottery office in Augusta, you'll need to present a valid form of government-issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. For mail-in claims, you have to complete a claim form and send it in, along with your winning ticket, to the following address:
Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations
8 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0008