A runs test is a statistical method that studies runs — continuous sequences of identical events. For lotteries, it analyzes hit streaks and drought (miss) streaks for each number.

What is the Wald-Wolfowitz test?

The Wald-Wolfowitz test checks the randomness of a binary sequence. It counts the number of runs and compares it with the expected value. The Z-statistic shows how much the sequence deviates from random.

What does the Z-statistic mean?

The Z-statistic shows the deviation from the expected number of runs. A value of |Z| > 1.96 means with 95% probability the sequence is non-random. Positive Z means too many runs (frequent alternation), negative means too few (long continuous runs).

Should I bet on numbers with long droughts?

A long drought does not increase the probability of a number appearing in a specific draw — this is the gambler's fallacy. However, by the law of large numbers, frequencies even out over time, and long droughts statistically end.

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Belgium: Pick3

Pick3 Runs Test — Number Streaks and Droughts

Pick3: current draw streaks, droughts, and the Wald-Wolfowitz randomness test

The runs test shows the current streak of each "Pick3" lottery number — how many consecutive draws a number has appeared or been absent. The Wald-Wolfowitz test checks whether the sequence of appearances is random.

Analysis based on 20 draws from 05/08/2026, 06:00 PM to 05/27/2026, 05:00 PM

Longest drought (16 draws)

Longest streak (1 draws)

Numbers with non-random pattern

Total numbers

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Longest drought (15 draws)

Longest streak (1 draws)

Numbers with non-random pattern

Total numbers

Longest drought (20 draws)

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Longest streak (1 draws)

Numbers with non-random pattern

Total numbers

Columns

Runs for field 1

How many consecutive draws the number was absent

Added to generator 0 / 10

Selected 0

Ball added	Consecutive misses	Max run	Runs test (Z)
Add	16	16	0.33
Add	13	13	0.57
Add	12	12	0.33
Add	11	11	0.33
Add	10	10	0.33
Add	5	14	0.33
Add	3	5	0.31
Add	2	12	0.57
Add	1	18	0.33
Add	0	8	0.31

Runs for field 2

How many consecutive draws the number was absent

Added to generator 0 / 10

Selected 0

Ball added	Consecutive misses	Max run	Runs test (Z)
Add	15	15	0.33
Add	10	10	0.33
Add	9	10	0.33
Add	7	7	0.86
Add	6	10	0.57
Add	5	6	0.86
Add	3	13	-1.05
Add	2	17	0.33
Add	1	10	-0.1
Add	0	10	-0.85

Runs for field 3

How many consecutive draws the number was absent

Added to generator 0 / 10

Selected 0

Ball added	Consecutive misses	Max run	Runs test (Z)
Add	20	20	0
Add	20	20	0
Add	14	14	0.33
Add	9	10	0.33
Add	8	8	0.57
Add	6	13	0.33
Add	4	8	-0.1
Add	2	9	0.86
Add	1	6	0.88
Add	0	7	-0.1

Generator by Runs Test

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How to Use the Runs Test for Pick3

Step-by-step guide to analyzing streaks and droughts of lottery numbers for Pick3 lottery

Choose the display mode

Switch between "Droughts" and "Streaks". Droughts show how many consecutive draws a number has been absent. Streaks show how many consecutive draws it has appeared.

Study the KPI cards

The cards show key metrics: longest drought, longest streak, number of numbers with non-random patterns, and total number count.

Analyze the table and chart

The table shows current runs, maximum runs, and the Wald-Wolfowitz Z-statistic. The chart provides a visual comparison of all numbers' runs.

Use the generator

Mark numbers with long droughts (they are statistically "due" to appear) or with active streaks and generate combinations.

About Runs Test

Mathematical foundations of the method

Runs analysis studies runs — continuous sequences of identical events. For lotteries, these are hit runs (number appeared in N consecutive draws) and miss runs (drought — number absent for N consecutive draws).

Wald-Wolfowitz Test

Tests the randomness of a binary sequence. Counts the number of runs R and compares with the expected value. The Z-statistic shows the degree of deviation from randomness.

Z = (R - E[R]) / σ_R, где E[R] = 2n₁n₂/n + 1

Runs Test Tips

Recommendations for correct interpretation of streaks and droughts

Numbers with long droughts won't necessarily appear in upcoming draws — each draw is independent.

Z-statistics outside [-1.96, 1.96] indicate a non-random pattern at the 0.05 significance level.

Compare "Droughts" and "Streaks" modes — a number with a long drought in one mode will have 0 in the other.

Use runs analysis together with frequency analysis for a comprehensive assessment of a number's behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pick3

Answers to common questions about lottery runs analysis for Pick3