Getting started
How to Play 4D in Malaysia: A Beginner's Guide
· 6 min read
4D is Malaysia's most popular numbers game. You choose any four-digit number from 0000 to 9999, decide how much to stake, and win if your number is one of the 23 numbers drawn. This guide walks through everything you need to know before your first ticket.
Who can play
Under Malaysian law, 4D is only for non-Muslims aged 21 and above. Tickets are sold by licensed operators through their own outlets. Buy only from licensed outlets: illegal “bookies” offer no protection if they refuse to pay.
Step 1: Pick a number
Any number from 0000 to 9999 is valid, and every one has exactly the same chance of being drawn. Many people play birthdays, car plates or numbers from a dream; others pick at random. If you want a random pick, the number generator will give you one in a tap.
Step 2: Choose Big, Small or both
A Big bet wins if your number appears anywhere among the 23 winning numbers. A Small bet only wins on the top three prizes but pays more for them. You can stake on Big, Small or both on the same number.
| Prize (per RM1) | Big | Small |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | RM2,500 | RM3,500 |
| 2nd Prize | RM1,000 | RM2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | RM500 | RM1,000 |
| Special (10 numbers) | RM180 | — |
| Consolation (10 numbers) | RM60 | — |
Read Big vs Small for a full comparison.
Step 3: Decide how much to stake
Prizes are quoted per RM1, so a RM2 Big stake pays twice the table above. The usual minimum is RM1 per bet type. Use the prize calculator to see exactly what your ticket costs and pays before you buy.
Step 4: Straight, Box or iBox
A straight bet only wins if the digits come out in your exact order. If you want to cover every ordering of your digits (1234, 4321, 2143 and so on), you can buy a Box (full stake on every ordering, costs more) or an iBox (one stake split across every ordering, pays less). See Box vs iBox.
Step 5: Check the results
Regular draws are held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 7pm, with occasional special draws on Tuesdays. Results appear here within minutes on the today's results page, and the number checker tells you if your number has ever won.
A word on the odds
Any single number has a 1 in 10,000 chance of taking 1st prize, and over time players get back about 64 sen of every ringgit staked. Treat 4D as paid entertainment with a budget you can afford to lose. How the odds work explains the numbers.
Quick answers
What is the minimum bet for 4D?
Usually RM1 per bet type (Big or Small) on each number. Box bets cost RM1 for each ordering covered.
Can I play 4D online?
Only buy from licensed operators through their official channels. Unlicensed websites and agents are illegal and offer no protection if they refuse to pay.
What time are the results?
Draws start at 7pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Results are usually published within the hour.
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.