What Are 6D and 4D Lotto?
If you've been playing Lotto 6/42 or Mega Lotto 6/45 for years, you might not have noticed that PCSO also runs two digit-based games: 6D Lotto and 4D Lotto. These are not your typical six-number draws. Instead, you pick a sequence of digits — six digits for 6D and four digits for 4D — and you win if your sequence matches the winning combination in exact order.
These games are popular for one simple reason: the odds are far better than the big jackpot draws. In 4D, you're looking at 1 in 10,000 for the top prize. In 6D, it's 1 in 1,000,000. Compare that to 1 in 8,145,060 for Lotto 6/42 and you can see why more bettors are adding 6D and 4D to their weekly routine.
But better odds also mean smaller jackpots — and that's where the rules matter. Understanding how each game works, when draws happen, and how prizes are paid will help you decide if these digit games deserve a spot in your betting budget.
1. 4D Lotto: Pick Four Digits, Win Up to ₱10,000
4D Lotto is the simpler of the two. You choose a four-digit combination from 0000 to 9999. The draw happens three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 PM — and the results are broadcast live on PTV and PCSO's official social media pages.
The minimum bet is ₱12 per combination, and you can play up to six combinations per bet slip. The prize structure is straightforward:
- First prize: Match all four digits in exact order — ₱10,000
- Second prize: Match the first three or last three digits in exact order — ₱800
- Third prize: Match the first two or last two digits in exact order — ₱100
Wait, that last one needs clarification. In 4D, you can win by matching a portion of the winning sequence. For example, if the winning number is 1234, a bet on 1200 wins the third prize because the first two digits (12) match. A bet on 0034 also wins third prize because the last two digits (34) match. It's a nice consolation structure that gives you more chances to win something back.
One important rule: prizes are fixed, not pari-mutuel. That means you know exactly how much you'll win before the draw, regardless of how many other people win. No sharing required.
2. 6D Lotto: Six Digits for a ₱1 Million Jackpot
6D Lotto works the same way as 4D, but with six digits instead of four. You pick a six-digit combination from 000000 to 999999, and the draw happens every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Because there are more digits, the odds are tougher — 1 in 1,000,000 for the jackpot — but the top prize is much bigger: ₱1,000,000 (tax-free, as with all PCSO prizes). The minimum bet is also ₱12 per combination, and you can play up to six combinations per slip.
Here's how the prizes break down:
- First prize: Match all six digits in exact order — ₱1,000,000
- Second prize: Match the first five or last five digits — ₱40,000
- Third prize: Match the first four or last four digits — ₱4,000
- Fourth prize: Match the first three or last three digits — ₱400
- Fifth prize: Match the first two or last two digits — ₱40
That fifth prize is worth noting. Even if you only match the first two digits (like 12 in 123456), you still get ₱40 back on a ₱12 bet — a small profit. It's not life-changing, but it keeps the game interesting.
3. How to Place a 4D or 6D Bet
Betting on 4D or 6D is no different from playing the big lotto games. Here's the step-by-step:
- Go to any authorized PCSO lotto outlet. You'll find them in malls, markets, and even some sari-sari stores.
- Grab a play slip for 4D or 6D. These are usually separate from the 6/42, 6/45, 6/49, 6/55, and 6/58 slips.
- Mark your chosen digits. For 4D, shade four numbers from 0 to 9. For 6D, shade six numbers.
- Decide how many draws you want to play. You can play the same combination for up to six consecutive draws.
- Hand the slip to the teller and pay. The minimum bet is ₱12 per combination per draw.
- Keep your ticket safe. It's your only proof of purchase — no ticket, no prize.
You can also play via PCSO's e-Lotto platform if you prefer online betting. Just make sure you're using the official app or website and that you're of legal age (18 and above).
Pro tip: Always double-check your slip before paying. Once the ticket is printed, you can't change your numbers or cancel the bet.
4. Draw Schedules and Where to Watch
Both games have fixed draw schedules, so you can plan your bets accordingly.
- 4D Lotto: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:00 PM
- 6D Lotto: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:00 PM
Draws are held at the PCSO headquarters in Mandaluyong City and are broadcast live on PTV (People's Television Network). You can also catch the results on PCSO's official Facebook page and YouTube channel. If you miss the live draw, results are posted on the PCSO website and in major newspapers the next day.
One thing to remember: the cut-off for buying tickets is usually 8:00 PM on draw days, but some outlets stop selling earlier. Don't wait until the last minute — especially if you're playing on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
5. Payout Rules and Claiming Your Prize
Winning is one thing; claiming your prize is another. Here's what you need to know about payouts:
- Prizes up to ₱10,000: You can claim at any PCSO lotto outlet or the nearest PCSO branch office.
- Prizes from ₱10,001 to ₱300,000: Claim at any PCSO branch office or the main office in Mandaluyong.
- Prizes above ₱300,000: You must claim at the PCSO main office.
You need to present your winning ticket and two valid government-issued IDs. The ticket must be intact — no tears, no missing parts, and the barcode must be readable. PCSO is strict about this. If the ticket is damaged or unreadable, they may refuse to pay.
Prizes are tax-free, as mandated by the TRAIN law. You get the full amount. However, if you're claiming a large prize, expect some paperwork and a bit of waiting time. Bring patience and a secure bag.
The claiming period is one year from the date of the draw. After that, the prize is forfeited and goes into the PCSO's charity fund. So don't stash your ticket in a drawer and forget about it.
6. 4D vs 6D: Which One Should You Play?
Both games have their pros and cons. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Odds: 4D is easier to win (1 in 10,000 for the top prize) than 6D (1 in 1,000,000).
- Jackpot: 6D offers a bigger top prize (₱1,000,000) compared to 4D (₱10,000).
- Draw frequency: Both draw three times a week, but on different days.
- Consolation prizes: 6D has more prize tiers, so you have more chances to win something.
If you're playing for fun and want frequent small wins, 4D is the better choice. If you're chasing a bigger payout and don't mind the tougher odds, go for 6D. Many bettors play both — 4D on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 6D on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. That way, you have a draw almost every night.
Just remember: these are games of chance. No system, pattern, or "lucky number" can guarantee a win. Play within your means and treat it as entertainment, not a source of income.
7. Smart Betting Tips for 4D and 6D
While you can't predict the winning numbers, you can adopt smart habits that make the game more enjoyable and less risky:
- Set a budget. Decide how much you're willing to spend per week and stick to it. Don't chase losses.
- Play multiple combinations. Instead of betting ₱24 on one combination, consider splitting it into two ₱12 bets on different numbers. This increases your coverage.
- Use the "rambol" option if available. Some PCSO games offer a rambol (combination) play, but 4D and 6D are strictly exact-order games. However, you can cover permutations manually if you want.
- Avoid popular numbers. If you win, you won't have to share the prize in 4D or 6D because prizes are fixed. But avoiding obvious patterns (like 1234 or 1111) doesn't hurt.
- Check your tickets immediately. Don't wait days to verify your numbers. If you win, claim your prize as soon as possible.
Also, consider playing via e-Lotto if you want convenience. It's secure, and your tickets are stored digitally, so you don't have to worry about losing them. Just make sure you're using the official PCSO e-Lotto app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 4D and 6D Lotto?
4D Lotto requires you to pick four digits (0000-9999) and offers a top prize of ₱10,000. 6D Lotto requires six digits (000000-999999) and offers a ₱1,000,000 jackpot. 4D draws are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while 6D draws are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
How much is the minimum bet for 4D and 6D?
The minimum bet for both 4D and 6D Lotto is ₱12 per combination per draw. You can play up to six combinations on a single bet slip.
Can I play 4D or 6D Lotto online?
Yes, you can play both games through PCSO's official e-Lotto platform. Just make sure you're using the legitimate app or website and that you're at least 18 years old.
How long do I have to claim my 4D or 6D prize?
You must claim your prize within one year from the date of the draw. Prizes not claimed within this period are forfeited and go to the PCSO's charity fund.
