⚠️ 18+ Only: 4D betting is restricted to individuals aged 18 years and above.
This content explains how 4D works—it is not financial advice. Lottery games are games of pure
chance with no skill element. Learn about responsible
gambling.
What Is Magnum 4D?
Magnum 4D is Malaysia's oldest and most popular 4-digit lottery game, operated by Magnum Corporation since 1969. Players select a 4-digit number from 0000 to 9999 and win if their number matches one of the 23 winning numbers drawn.
Unlike skill-based games, 4D is purely luck-based—each number has an equal chance of being drawn. The house edge is mathematically fixed, and no selection method can improve your probability of winning.
How Magnum 4D Works
Here's the basic process for Magnum 4D:
- Select a 4-digit number from 0000 to 9999 (10,000 possible combinations)
- Choose your bet type: Big or Small (explained below)
- Place your stake: Minimum bet is typically RM1
- Wait for the draw: Results announced at approximately 7:00 PM
- 23 winning numbers are drawn: 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes + 10 Special + 10 Consolation
Key Fact: With 10,000 possible numbers and 23 prizes drawn, approximately 0.23%
of all possible numbers win something each draw. This means roughly 1 in 435 numbers wins any
prize.
Big vs Small Bets
The main distinction in Magnum 4D is between "Big" and "Small" bets:
| Feature | Big Bet | Small Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Prizes | All 23 prizes (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Special, Consolation) | Only top 3 prizes (1st, 2nd, 3rd) |
| 1st Prize Payout | RM 2,500 per RM1 | RM 3,500 per RM1 |
| Winning Chance | 23 in 10,000 (0.23%) | 3 in 10,000 (0.03%) |
| Best For | More frequent (smaller) wins | Higher potential payouts |
The choice isn't about which is "better"—it's about preference. Big bets win more often but pay less. Small bets win rarely but pay more. Neither has a mathematical advantage over time.
Prize Structure
Here's the standard Magnum 4D prize structure for a RM1 bet:
| Prize Category | Big Bet Payout | Small Bet Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | RM 2,500 | RM 3,500 |
| 2nd Prize | RM 1,000 | RM 2,000 |
| 3rd Prize | RM 500 | RM 1,000 |
| Special (10 numbers) | RM 200 | Not eligible |
| Consolation (10 numbers) | RM 60 | Not eligible |
Understanding the Odds
Let's be mathematically honest about 4D odds:
- Probability of winning 1st prize: 1 in 10,000 (0.01%)
- Probability of winning any prize (Big): 23 in 10,000 (0.23%)
- Probability of winning any prize (Small): 3 in 10,000 (0.03%)
- Probability of losing: 99.77% (Big) or 99.97% (Small)
Reality Check: The expected return on a RM1 Big bet is approximately
RM0.60-0.65,
meaning a mathematical house edge of 35-40%. This is significantly higher than most casino
games.
4D should be treated as entertainment, not investment.
No selection method—"hot numbers," "cold numbers," dreams, or patterns—can change these odds. Each draw is independent, and every number has equal probability.
Draw Schedule
Magnum 4D draws occur three times per week:
- Wednesday – Results at approximately 7:00 PM
- Saturday – Results at approximately 7:00 PM
- Sunday – Results at approximately 7:00 PM
Special draws may occur during festive periods (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, etc.), which can include additional prize categories or larger prize pools.
Responsible Play
4D is entertainment with a cost—most players will lose over time due to the house edge. To play responsibly:
- Set a budget and never exceed it
- Never chase losses by buying more tickets after losing
- Don't borrow money to play 4D
- Treat it as paid entertainment, not a way to make money
- Set a loss limit and stop when reached
If gambling is causing stress or financial problems, help is available. Contact Befrienders Malaysia at 03-7627 2929 (24/7).
Related Guides: Learn about other 4D operators:
Sports Toto Guide |
DaMaCai Guide |
Big vs Small Bets Explained
For more information on 4D options available on BK8, visit the 4D hub page.