Bet types
4D Box vs iBox (mBox): How Permutation Bets Work
· 6 min read
A straight 4D bet on 1234 only wins if 1234 itself is drawn. If 4321 comes up, you get nothing. Permutation bets cover every ordering of your digits, and there are two ways to buy them: Box and iBox (Magnum calls it mBox).
Box: full stake on every ordering
A Box bet is the same as buying a separate straight bet on each ordering. For 1234 there are 24 orderings, so RM1 Big Box costs RM24. If any ordering wins, it pays the full prize for a RM1 stake: RM2,500 for 1st prize.
iBox: one stake shared between orderings
An iBox spreads your stake evenly. RM1 iBox on 1234 costs RM1, and each of the 24 orderings carries about 4 sen. A 1st-prize win therefore pays RM2,500 ÷ 24 = RM104.17. Spend RM24 on iBox and each ordering carries RM1, so it pays the same as a RM24 Box.
Cost and 1st-prize payout by number type
| Number type | Orderings | RM1 Box costs | RM1 iBox 1st prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-way, e.g. 1234 | 24 | RM24 | RM104.17 |
| 12-way, e.g. 1123 | 12 | RM12 | RM208.33 |
| 6-way, e.g. 1122 | 6 | RM6 | RM416.67 |
| 4-way, e.g. 1112 | 4 | RM4 | RM625 |
Numbers with repeated digits have fewer orderings, so a Box is cheaper and an iBox pays more. Not sure which type your number is? The permutation calculator lists every ordering, and permutation types explains the patterns.
Which should you choose?
- Straight if you only care about one exact number, such as a car plate.
- Box if you want full prizes on any ordering and are happy to pay for every one.
- iBox if you want to cover every ordering on a small budget and accept smaller prizes.
All three return the same amount on average for each ringgit staked. Box and iBox simply spread the same chances differently.
Quick answers
What is the difference between Box and iBox?
Box places your full stake on every ordering, so it costs more and pays full prizes. iBox splits one stake across all orderings, so it costs less and pays a share.
Is mBox the same as iBox?
Yes. Magnum calls it mBox; it works the same way as iBox.
How much does RM1 iBox pay on 1st prize?
RM2,500 divided by the number of orderings: RM104.17 for a 24-way number, RM208.33 for 12-way, RM416.67 for 6-way and RM625 for 4-way.
Guides are general information, not advice. Rules and prize tables can differ between operators. Always check with the operator. 4D is for non-Muslims aged 21 and above.