Starting Sunday, being ‘1-OFF’ means Pick 3 and Pick 4 prizes

January 29, 2015 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:12 PM

Lottery players know there’s more than just the big game on Sunday to look forward to. Earlier this month we announced that a new play type called 1-OFF was coming in February. This Sunday is your first chance to try your luck with the new way to play.

With 1-OFF, you win prizes if one or more of your numbers are one digit off the numbers drawn. For Pick 3, there are 26 possible combinations that win prizes and, for Pick 4, there are 80. For $1, you can win up to $40 playing Pick 3 ticket and up to $300 playing Pick 4.

This means that, if you play this way, an exact match will not be a winner. So if you still want a chance to win on an “exact” number, you’ll need to buy a regular Pick 3 ticket. For more details, including a preview of what tickets with 1-OFF look like, check out our 1-OFF blog from earlier this month.

77 COMMENTS

9/10/2022 11:55 - Clara Y.

If the number come 0999 and I play 9999 do I get anything

8/27/2017 10:43 - Donovan C.

I'm very confused I pick my numbers last night and I won with the two back number in exact correct order it was a 1$ play I take it into the store and it comes back not a winner ???? This is the second time this has happend it says on the slip they printed me out that if you win that two back numbers for a 1$ play you win 50$ so why is my ticket saying not a winner for the second time in a row NC Lottery
Which game specifically were you playing?

2/24/2015 11:01 - LaTonya A.

I am confused about the 1 off as well. I had the number 1 off on my ticket. The number that came out was 0094. I had the number 0409 on my ticket and I turned it in and was told it was not a winner. Does that mean the number has to be in the exact same order as the number that came out to be a winner? NC Lottery
Yes, it needs to be 1-off in the order you chose initially. Check your ticket to see all the possible winning combinations. Hope that helps!

2/24/2015 05:16 - Felicia W.

You only when when the number come out in the order of the one off NC Lottery
That's correct! It must be in the same order as the number you chose. For example, you choose 156 and the number drawn is 256. You win!

2/22/2015 10:12 - tameka w.

I am very confused about the 1off game Rules for pick 4. On the brochure it has 1digit Equals 300 for $1 play. 2digit40 3digit26 and 4 Digit 52$. What does this exactly mean. I should have known this was to good to be True. I played 3456. The number came out 8654. The numbers Ihave on my ticket is 3356, 4456,2456,3467and so on. I do I know if I I have won something?

2/22/2015 07:08 - Sophie F.

Now that I know you can't win anything on 1 off even if your numbers come up, I will never play again. When you finally understand the game, you wonder why anyone would want to play, the prizes are so small. I just want you to know that people are saying that this is a rip-off game just to make more money off of us. This is very disappointing, why would you put a game out like this. If this was an addition to the regular any games, it would be more fair. What were you thinking, so far I've lost $880.00 because the rules were not clear. RECOMMEND NOBODY PLAY THIS GAME-ITS UNFAIR. NC Lottery
Lots of folks are enjoying it and winning prizes, so we're sorry you haven't enjoyed our new play style.

2/22/2015 05:34 - Sophie F.

1 off is the worst game ever. It's confusing and the paper instructions are not clear so you pick your numbers and if they come up you don't win. I usually play "any" and was lead to believe this was just extra to any. I will not play 1-off again, its a ridiculous game. NC Lottery
Sorry to hear you don't like our new play type. Lots of folks are having fun and winning prizes, but we understand your confusion. The numbers drawn have to be 1-off of the numbers you chose, in the order you chose them. Hope that clears things up. Best of luck in the future!

2/22/2015 01:22 - Rhonda P.

What if,on the 1-off the number 8645 came out and you played 7744 would you win any thing?

2/20/2015 01:59 - SHIRLEY E.

I really don't understand it. I bought a 1-off ticket more than once and have had one off of the pick 4 and still won nothing. Do I need to pick any, 50/50 or exact? I have also had the same number that came out and won nothing either. What seems to be the problem as to why I am not winning anything?NC Lottery
When you play with 1-OFF, all of the possible numbers you could win a prize on are printed on your ticket. But, for example, if you want a chance to win on the number 1-2-3 exact/any/combo, you need to buy a regular Pick 3 ticket for 1-2-3. You can learn more here: http://bit.ly/1DHamJn

2/16/2015 12:16 - NC Lottery

IN RESPONSE to the comment above, information like this is very helpful, as the lottery visits retailers once every three weeks on average. You can report this kind of problem to the retailer but also you can call our customer service to tell them where this machine is located: 877-962-7529

2/16/2015 11:51 - Cornell M.

I want to inform you guys about a major problem with the instant scratch off machines. This morning I purchased four scratch off tickets from a machine at a local grocery store. Although I didn't win a prize, i attempted to enter the second chance numbers for a future drawing. On one of the tickets I could not enter the numbers on the back of the ticket beneath the barcode because the machine had cut off the ticket way off the preforated line. Luckily i had purchased two for the same scratchoff game, so i was able to piece the two tickets together to read the numbers, but only for one ticket. This only happened with the MegaBucks tickets. Please ensure that your machines are properly calibrated for all the game tickets as they do vary in size. I'm sure whoever purchases MegaBuck tickets from that machine will experience the same as i have. Thank you.

2/15/2015 07:14 - Charles F.

I have found this is confusing. The brochure is not user friendly and neither is this site in regards to 1-off. So this all describes one off and then there is 2, 3, 4 off but not explanation. So what you really meant to say is 1 off, just means your computer generates without 1 number I didn't choose with a chance to win if I meet the computer picks.NC Lottery
To win a prize with 1-OFF, at least one of your numbers must be 1-OFF from the winning combination. In Pick 3, one, two or all three of your numbers can be 1-OFF and you win a prize. In Pick 4, one, two, three or all four of your numbers can be 1-OFF and you win a prize. If you have more questions, give a ring to customer service: 877-962-7529

2/08/2015 12:48 - Benita F.

most scratch off customers do not stand a chance of winning when the store owners and clerks are players too, they know which tickets have won and which have not. I will just keep trying the pick 3 and pick 4 drawings. NC Lottery
We have 4,000 stores across the state with self-service ticket checkers. If you're concerned with a store treating you unfairly, check your own ticket first.

2/08/2015 10:45 - Dave Y.

Your scratch tickets prizes are all presented in the wrong amounts, I have a solution but no one listens. when your big prizes are gone all the smart players quit buying them. ???????????????????????? DYNC Lottery
As soon as the last top prize is claimed in an instant scratch-off game, the lottery immediately begins the process of pulling the game from stores and ending the game.

2/08/2015 09:00 - denise b.

why do it take so many days to post a winner for weekly drawing like 800 and 25000 drawing when they pull a name why not post it and contact person but u have to wait 2 weeks after drawing to post.NC Lottery
Very common question, very simple answer. Until someone claims the prize, he or she is not the winner. We aren't allowed to announce until the prize is formally claimed. Good luck to you!

2/07/2015 09:10 - Howard J.

Dear Directors of Power Play Lottery Draws. At this time the Jackpot Amount for the Power Play is at 380,000,000, and if y were to create make 47 Draws at 10,000,000 each you would make a lot of multi-millionaires, even after taxes!. And that my dear friend would be a very nice pay day!. For sure,if I was to in that amount, I would be a VERY HAPPY PERSON!. Have a great night. Howard Jenkins

2/07/2015 05:46 - PRAVIN V.

Dear, Lord I am jobless looking job.Please,bless me to grab tonight's Powerball Jackpot.As you have told "IF YOU BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEVER BE IN DECEIVE".I have been praying to win tonights Powerball Jackpot.

2/07/2015 02:59 - Carlos C.

I play all the time the numbers. I just want to win something big and I feel this thing is rigged.

2/07/2015 12:01 - Benita F.

Its still actually a long shot because now your one off has to be in the exact order that it comes out. example: if I play 123 and it comes 403 the number under the 1 off would be 034 I win nothing correct? Is there an "any order" one off in the near future?NC Lottery
The prize amounts are based on the odds. There wont be an "any" option when playing with 1-OFF.

2/07/2015 07:56 - David L.

Players most stores have the scanner that you can scan the ticket yourself, that way you don't hold up lines in the store. Just a friendly comment this cold winter morning. Everyone have a great weekend. Best of luck to ALL the players.

2/07/2015 01:45 - Monty C.

my play slips that I have used for months for pick 3 & 4 were rejected by the machine. She had to run them manually what is going on?NC Lottery
We had to print new play slips for Pick 3 & Pick 4 to feature the new 1-OFF play type. Sorry for the inconvenience, you will have to fill out new slips.

2/06/2015 04:00 - Victoria W.

lucke zone I think I understand this and I hope I am right. To make a long story short, if the winning number drawn appears in one of the combination straight, you are a winner. Last night I played 8888 and the winning number was 7798. The 7798 was one of the combinations and I won $26. Is this correct? Correct me if I am wrongNC Lottery
You are correct! Congrats! :-)

2/06/2015 12:27 - PRAVIN V.

I do believe in online Jackpot Drawing Result,but I never trust Luke zone Drawing Result si from now on I never play Luke zone drawing.

2/06/2015 10:21 - LLoyd K.

LZ, I thought that when you say one off then the game should be as one off, not one off in sequence. This is what the game should of be called, but; no, you con everyone into thinking all you have to do is get one number off no matter what order it is. then at the last minute you state the rules, What is next? A game call one off the one off? I will stick with the normal way to play pick 3/4 games, thank you.NC Lottery
The way 1-OFF works was explained in our preview blog and in the How to Play information online and in every retailer. We are sorry there was a misunderstanding about that, but we always encourage players to learn about new games and features, that's why we make the information available to everyone.

2/06/2015 03:27 - Victoria W.

Lucke zone players, if you are not sure you are a winner or not, go to a store that participate in the lottery and scan your ticket. Some stores have a ticket scanner or you can ask the clerk to scan your ticket. If you ask the clerk make sure you are watching because they may say the ticket isn't a winner but really is. If you hear some type of music played you won BIG!!! LOL.

2/05/2015 07:18 - Sylvia M.

I swear some names on the winners list sure look I have seen them before. It's nearly impossible to win a drawing, I have entered hundred, no thousands of tickets thru the years but to no avail. I have always been lucky but these lucke-zone drawings are impossible.NC Lottery
Like all lottery games, Lucke-Rewards drawings are games of chance. If you make even one entry into a drawing you have a chance to win. Making more entries gives you more chances to win, but never a guarantee. Good luck to you :)

2/05/2015 06:34 - otto k.

I just wonder if you answer and post the questions you want to answer because I have asked a question or more and only once have I seen an answer form you so I'll ask you again.when you try to reach a winner by phone, what will your number show up on my caller will it show that it's the north carolina lottery because if my wife doesn't recognize the number she won't answer the phone, do you try to reach the winners by regular mail. I would appreciate an answer!!!NC Lottery
We do our best to respond to all questions. Make sure you are checking on the blog entry where you leave your question. The answer to your question is that it depends what staff member makes the call. But we will reach out by certified mail if necessary. Don't worry!

2/05/2015 04:03 - Bob V.

Ping pong balls give the players a fair shake in a game. The All or Nothing game looks like the numbers are computer generated (which does not give the players a fair shake). The computer program may pick numbers at random (which I'm sure the mode does), but computers also control slot machines. Slot machines can be put in modes such as "random" or "tournament" (which is more loose than random). I'm sure the lottery commission makes every effort to keep games fair, but when a computer program makes the choices does that give players a fair shake? I mean you can't control floating ping pong balls, but you can control/modify/edit a computer program.NC Lottery
We use a certified random number generator. Every line of code has been checked to confirm it does one thing and one thing only: Choose numbers at random :-)

2/05/2015 01:48 - anthony b.

trying my luck and hope the best.

2/05/2015 01:09 - mike b.

it is about time the ole crystal ball let me win a big chunk of cash...it is nice to win a few dollars once in a while but would be even nicer if i won the big bucks,lol

2/05/2015 09:20 - ann f.

why d0 you draw the same number twice the same way 045 has been out three times this month sounds funny to me give us poor people a breakNC Lottery
The drawing results are completely random. We don't choose which numbers come up. It's luck of the draw. Every number has the same chance of being drawn every time.

2/05/2015 03:30 - Andrew G.

How are you calling this game 1 off? I played 4903 on the 2nd, the numbers drawn were 0593 and yet in still I did not win anything. To me isn't that 1 off? How are you calling this game 1 off if that doesn't constitute a winning ticket?NC Lottery
Take a closer look at the How to Play, or our previous blog. The your first digit 4 is not 1-OFF from the digit 0, and 5 is not 1-OFF the digit 9.

2/04/2015 06:17 - PRAVIN V.

can't wait to win tonight powerball jackpot.FORTUNE MAKES FOVOR.I have been thinking positive.I have been looking a job,but have not gotten yet.LORD HAVE MERCY.LORD BLESS ME TO WIN TONIGHT POWERBALL JACKPOT.LORD SAYS IF YOU BELIEVE ME YOU WILL NEVER BE IN DECEIVE

2/04/2015 06:13 - Shanita S.

It's going to snow, people!! Today I played 114, because I felt that it was time for a double to fall, and double zeroes came instead. The only silver lining was that I marked 1-off. The number drawn was 005 and my options on the 1-off was 005 for $9! Not exactly my normal take of $80-160 had I played the zeroes, but I'd only invested $2 on the daytime play today. A profit is a profit and I'm glad that I didn't have to quit this game prematurely

2/04/2015 05:30 - Dameka W.

I have had the winning numbers however they were not in exact order so i did not win anything.I will not play the 1 off anymore. I will continue to play any or 50/50.

2/04/2015 02:15 - Forrest t.

I'm confused a game called (1OFF) you would think your a winner if your (1 number off) but instead nc lottery pays only numbers (up & down) why not call the up & down instead of 1OFF cause 1 off is 3 numbers out of 4 in any order 2 numbers out of 3 maybe take the kinks out and have an straight up or down or an any up or down or change the name to fit game or modify the game to fit the name 1 offNC Lottery
It's a new feature, it always takes a little bit of time for folks to adjust. That's why we have How to Play brochures in stores and on our website, and why we write blogs about new features so that players know how they work :-)

2/04/2015 12:26 - denise b.

For the one off your numbers have to be in the same number that came out no combination it's always a big catch to it.NC Lottery
If you check out our first blog, linked above, or look in the How to Play brochure at a store or on our website, you will see that we explain how 1-OFF works, but we know there is always a time period with a new feature where folks are getting familiar.

2/03/2015 11:57 - ELLA R.

I HAD 3#'S ON ALL OR NOTHING WHICH WAS 10.00 WHEN I CSHED IN SHE SAID IT WAS ONLY 2.00 WHY???????NC Lottery
Did you check your numbers carefully? You are correct that matching 3 #'s should win you a $10 prize. If you are ever concerned about something like this, please call our security at 888-732-6235

2/03/2015 05:12 - Shanita S.

Roy, you are correct, this could have been explained a little better. My suggestion would be to follow up your play with a regular play--yes this is a way for NC to make more on games. I can't complain because I've done fairly well on pick 3--not with this 1-off, though.

2/03/2015 01:52 - tony w.

I played 1off. ..3591 yesterday and the number came out 0359, how come its not a win NC Lottery
The winning number was 0593. Remember, your numbers have to be one higher or one lower to win a prize. For example, you would have won if your number was 1593 or 0592. Best of luck next time you play!

2/03/2015 12:22 - alfreda v r.

SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING I WILL PLAY...I DID PLAY ALL OR NOTHING, I WON 2#s,WHICK IS $50.00. WENT TO STORE TO CASH IN, COMPTER SAID $12.00??? THAT WAS AT HARRIS TEETER ON 2FEB2015. WHAT WENT WRONG? NC Lottery
That doesn't seem right. Did you keep the ticket? Give our customer service line at call at (877) 962-7529 and let them know what's going on.

2/03/2015 12:06 - Mildred B.

Where can I see an example of how to fill my ticket out for the pick 3. I usually have amount of $.50; Play Type Any; sum it up. So what do not fill out when I pick 1-OFF? NC Lottery
Check out our How to Play info here. http://www.nc-educationlottery.org/pick3_how-to-play.aspx#OneOff You can also pick up How To Play brochure at a play center at a lottery retail location. Good luck.

2/03/2015 06:53 - ELLA R.

I PLAYED 157 1-OFF THE #CAME 671 IN THE PAYABLE #'S WAS 167 WILL I WIN THE 20.00? PLEASE RESPOND NC Lottery
Remember, all your winning number combinations are printed on your ticket. Your numbers have to be one higher or one lower to win a prize. For example, you would have won if your number was 571 or 672, as well as a number of other combinations.

2/03/2015 12:21 - natasha w.

i played 7841 1 off and the number was 6491 am I a winner? do the numbers have to be in order of can they come any way. NC Lottery
Jewel. All of the winning combinations are on your ticket. So check your I-OFF ticket to see if you won and what the amount will be.

2/03/2015 12:00 - Roy m.

this game sucks it doesn't explain that the number has to be exact order I had 013 today 310 played and I was not a winner NC Lottery
One of the best parts of this game is that it prints every winning combination on your ticket. Remember, this is a new way to play the game. If you had purchased an "Any" ticket, you would have won. Since the game you played was 1-OFF, you would have won with 210 or 311 or some other number combination.

2/02/2015 11:09 - Valerie B.

I cannt wait!

2/02/2015 09:49 - robert n.

save some paper and money allow 1-OFF ,exact,any,50/50 on the same ticket ,with each play costing 1.00 or 50 cents,it cant be that hard to program computer to print the play tickets,,thats the only i will spend a buck for 1-OFF top prize 40.00 on pick 3.

2/02/2015 08:40 - Shanita S.

I'm slightly confused with the 1-off. I'm thinking that the additional numbers must me an exact order, no? Can someone explain? For example, if I play 456, the numbers drawn can be 1-off in a consecutive order or up and down from drawn number? Can hardly ever find a retailer who can ever explain these new games

2/02/2015 10:14 - maryann g.

I just wanna win something, big or small, so I know I am in the game, Love lucke-zone

2/02/2015 09:04 - Denver G.

I just got off the line with NCEL security. There is a glitch in the system. No bonus entry slips are being printed out for the $5 cash tickets. They don't know why and are working on it. Hold onto your tickets. He said he would call me back this afternoon. I bought 4 so I might have just lost 4 bonus entries. Please post this at the top of your next blog , so people will know. The retailers do not have an answer. Thanks

2/02/2015 12:23 - Ellainez H.

Why it seem like the same numbers come out pick 3 and pick 4?

2/02/2015 12:08 - shannon s.

Why Nc didnt follow this way? With Straight play, players get one shot at winning $500 for a $1 play. With 1-OFF, they get a chance to win $250 and 26 more chances to win $10 for a $1 play. The odds of winning 1-OFF are the best of any CASH 3 play type available! Players may continue to play Straight for a chance to win $500; but, for the same cost, 1-OFF offers players an additional 26 set of numbers increasing the players' chances to win a cash prize.

2/01/2015 05:02 - Victoria W.

I went to 3 stores this morning and all 3 wasn't prepared for the 1 off. The first one was totally lost and didn't know what I was talking about. The second one said something rude like, I don't know where I placed the slips,avoided me and kept talking to someone in the store(one of his buddies) and the third one was going to let me leave but decided to look for the slips. I thought the stores suppose to be prepared for this. I also see on the website the 1 off starts February 2nd. Was this a misprint because it did start Sunday February 1st.NC Lottery
Sorry to hear about your experience. Our sales team does provide information to retailers and we encourage them to educate their staff about all updates to lottery games. Would you mind calling our customer service to give them more detail on which locations you visited? 877-962-7529

2/01/2015 05:34 - Shelia P.

On the pick-4 example slip, there are 4 sets of numbers that are listed twice, why? This is on the one-off playslip. How would they be counted? Example: it shows 9113 twice. What would be the pay-out if I played 0123 for 1.00 NC Lottery
The example is just a mock-up. On a real 1-OFF ticket, you will not see the same number combination twice. All of the winning combinations are printed along with the amount you won. Good luck.

1/30/2015 05:43 - Doris W.

Don't normally play pick 3 or pick 4 but think I'll give 1 off a try, since that always seems to be my luck with powerball etc

1/30/2015 02:01 - catherine m.

I hope there be lots of winners, including me.

1/30/2015 01:51 - jason r.

i think this has been asked b4 but i'm not sure.is it the same to say enter 100 entries at one time and 3 a day for the whole month?does your process mix or jumble all our entries?or if i enter that 100 at one time do i get the next 100 entries come draw time?thxNC Lottery
It's something we're asked often. Your chances are the same whether you enter all at once or over time. Every single entry made has the same chance of winning :-)

1/30/2015 10:16 - Joyce P.

Im so ready

1/30/2015 09:24 - howard r w.

Why start a new game on a Sunday when your main office is most likely closed and there will be a limited staff to take care of any problems? Back when you started the expanded pick 4 drawings and added the pick 3 mid-day you did the same Sunday start and players were not notified that new play slips had to be used. My number hit mid-day but tickets printed for the evening draw so I missed out on what should have been a $200.00 winner.

1/30/2015 06:13 - nicholas e.

Can't wait

1/30/2015 05:49 - Lu Ann C.

What ticket is it that's paying out $6868? I saw several winners but no ticket was listed.NC Lottery
Those are the winners of the MMC second-chance drawing for trips to Vegas for a chance to be on the MMC TV game show :-)

1/30/2015 12:46 - William D.

Can we start Sunday or Monday the first??? Just eager to try it.NC Lottery
Tickets go on sale on Sunday! You can try it out on Sunday :-)

1/30/2015 12:14 - Doris S.

I am looking forward to this new way to win!

1/29/2015 11:37 - Wynonia M.

Hope I have luck and win

1/29/2015 10:00 - joyce t.

This game is way overdue.

1/29/2015 09:03 - joyce k.

wonderful! 'bout time!

1/29/2015 08:34 - cynthia c.

i am so looking forward to this. wow

1/29/2015 08:15 - RICKY L.

This sounds like a new way to be confused.

1/29/2015 07:30 - Sankey B.

This is great, you need to come up with more ideas like this.

1/29/2015 07:03 - Beverly Kelly J.

I play sometimes, I think I will be pkaying more.

1/29/2015 06:47 - Shirley C.

Super, I'm in most cases a number off.

1/29/2015 05:57 - Benjamin J.

I can't imagine the feeling when you do a Pick 4 One-Off and end up hitting your numbers exactly. All the more fun, I guess.

1/29/2015 05:05 - Andrew S.

I know it's only a couple of days but I'm impatient , is there a sample pick 4 ticket anywhere on this site I can view ? I just want to see the payouts.NC Lottery
You should be able to find a 1-OFF How to Play brochure at a retailer, it has a sample Pick 4 ticket image inside.

1/29/2015 04:21 - Victoria W.

I am always 1 off and now when this game starts it will be totally different. I am going to try it, but I think everything will change. For example, I played 523 and the number was 423. Now it will come out 723 or 323 and that is not a winner. That's ok I will still try it.

1/29/2015 03:55 - Pamela C.

Am always one of in pick four, can't wait

1/29/2015 02:58 - deborah c.

Great great

1/29/2015 01:49 - Lillie H.

bring it on! I WILL B 1 OF THEM 2GET 1 OF 100!!!! THAT DAY.

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Starting Sunday, being ‘1-OFF’ means Pick 3 and Pick 4 prizes

January 29, 2015 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:12 PM

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