Pick the exact 3-digit combination drawn — straight (in order) or boxed (any order). Smaller pool than UK 49s; popular for higher fixed-odds payouts on single picks.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up with a bookmaker through our links, at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial content. 18+ only.
Pick 3 is a fixed-odds 3-digit Lucky Numbers product at South African bookmakers. The basic mechanic is the simplest of any Lucky Numbers game: a 3-digit number is drawn (from 000 to 999), and you bet whether your chosen number matches — either in exact order ("straight") or in any order ("boxed").
It is offered by ZarBet and BetBus (and a handful of smaller NGB-licensed operators), typically in a single nightly draw window. The product sits inside the broader Lucky Numbers section at each operator and is regulated by the National Gambling Board.
If you have ever played the US-style state Pick 3 game, the mechanic is identical. The only difference is that at SA bookmakers, the odds and payout are fixed when you place the bet — there is no shared pool.
Two bet types dominate the SA Pick 3 market:
Some operators also offer:
Typical fixed-odds payouts (varies by operator):
| Bet type | Pool | Approx fixed odds | R10 stake pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight (exact 3-digit) | 1 in 1 000 | ~700/1 | ~R7 000 |
| Boxed (3 different digits) | 1 in 167 | ~125/1 | ~R1 250 |
| Boxed (3 digits, 1 pair) | 1 in 333 | ~250/1 | ~R2 500 |
| Front / Back Pair | 1 in 100 | ~70/1 | ~R700 |
Source: typical South African bookmaker Pick 3 payout tables. Specific prices vary by operator and draw window.
| Game | Pool | Straight odds (typical) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick 3 (straight) | 1 in 1 000 | ~700/1 | Daily evening |
| UK 49s (1 number) | 1 in 49 (approx) | ~11/2 | Twice daily |
| Fafi (single) | 1 in 36 | ~28/1 | Every 15 min |
Pick 3 offers the biggest single-bet payout in the Lucky Numbers section, but also the lowest hit-rate. It is the game for players who want fewer, larger wins rather than frequent small returns.
For deposit bonuses and welcome offers, see our best betting sites in South Africa page.
What is Pick 3 in South Africa? A fixed-odds 3-digit Lucky Numbers product at NGB-licensed South African bookmakers. The bookmaker draws a 3-digit number and you win at the operator's fixed price if your selection matches.
When does the Pick 3 draw happen? Most SA operators run a single nightly Pick 3 draw, typically evening SAST. ZarBet and BetBus publish exact times on their results pages.
What is the maximum Pick 3 payout? A typical straight (exact order) Pick 3 bet pays around 700/1 — R10 returns approximately R7 000 on a winning ticket. Check the bookmaker's specific payout table before betting.
Is Pick 3 legal in South Africa? Yes. It is offered by NGB-licensed bookmakers as a regulated fixed-odds betting product.
Odds correct at time of writing. T&Cs apply. 18+ only. Gambling involves financial risk. Pick 3 predictions are for entertainment only. If gambling is no longer fun, contact the National Responsible Gambling helpline on 0800 006 008 or SMS HELP to 076 675 0710.
Open an account with any NGB-licensed bookmaker that offers Lucky Numbers (ZarBet or BetBus). Pick your numbers, choose a bet type (single, double, total) and stake. Payouts are in ZAR at fixed odds.
Daily evening draw, SAST. Bookmakers usually accept bets until ~5 minutes before the official draw time.
ZA-operator draw (ZarBet, BetBus).
Yes when offered by a licensed operator. The bookmakers we link to are NGB or provincially licensed. You must be 18 or older.
Odds correct at time of writing. T&Cs apply. 18+ only.