Checking your lottery numbers for tennessee usually starts with a frantic search on your phone while standing in a gas station line or sitting on your couch after the 11 p.m. news. We’ve all been there. You’ve got the ticket in your hand, the ink is a little faded from being in your pocket, and you’re just hoping the stars aligned.
Honestly, the Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL) moves fast. With multiple drawings every single day, it's easy to lose track of whether you’re looking at the Midday or the Evening results. Just last night, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Tennessee Daily Jackpot numbers came up as 16, 21, 23, 29, 38. If you had those, you’re likely having a much better Friday than the rest of us.
The Big Ones: Powerball and Mega Millions Results
Most people in the Volunteer State are chasing the life-changing jackpots. You know, the "retire tomorrow and buy an island" kind of money.
The most recent Powerball drawing on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, turned out the numbers 6, 24, 39, 43, 51 with the Powerball being 2. The multiplier was x2. While nobody hit the massive $179 million jackpot, two lucky souls over in Knoxville and Chattanooga recently grabbed $50,000 each by matching four numbers and the Powerball. It’s not "private island" money, but it’s definitely "new truck" money.
Mega Millions and Cash4Life
If you’re looking for the Mega Millions results from Tuesday, January 13, the winning line was 16, 40, 56, 64, 66 with a Mega Ball of 4. That jackpot is currently ballooning toward $230 million.
Then there’s Cash4Life. It’s the game people forget about until they see the "thousand dollars a day for life" tagline. On January 14, the winning numbers were 25, 28, 31, 32, 43 with a Cash Ball of 3.
Local Tennessee Games: Where the Odds Are Better
Everyone focuses on the national games, but the local Tennessee-only drawings are where the "regular" wins happen.
- Tennessee Cash: This is a homegrown favorite. The jackpot for Friday, Jan 16 is sitting at around $365,000.
- Cash 3 & Cash 4: These are drawn three times a day (Morning, Midday, and Evening). For the evening of Jan 15, the Cash 4 numbers were 0, 3, 5, 8.
- Lotto America: Often overlooked, but the numbers for Wednesday, Jan 14 were 1, 10, 23, 33, 41 with a Star Ball of 6.
What Happens if You Actually Win?
Let’s talk about the reality of winning. If you find your lottery numbers for tennessee matched the screen, don't scream and run into the street just yet. Sign the back of that ticket. Seriously. In Tennessee, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds the signed ticket owns the prize.
One thing people get wrong constantly? Anonymity.
In Tennessee, you basically cannot stay anonymous if you win big. If you win $200,000 or more, you have to go to the Nashville headquarters. While you can technically refuse to take those cheesy "big check" photos, your name, hometown, and the amount you won are public record. If a news outlet or a curious neighbor files a public records request, the TEL has to hand that info over.
💡 You might also like: How to Unlock a Max Move in Pokemon Go Without Losing Your Mind
Taxes: The Good and Bad News
The state of Tennessee is actually pretty cool about this: there is no state income tax on lottery winnings. However, the IRS is going to take their cut. They’ll usually withhold 24% right off the bat for federal taxes if the prize is over $5,000.
Where to Claim Your Prize
You can't just walk into a Weigel’s or a Food City and demand a million dollars.
For prizes up to $599, any authorized retailer can pay you out in cash—assuming they have enough in the register. For anything $600 to $199,999, you’ve got to visit a regional claim center. These are located in:
- Nashville (The main HQ)
- Memphis
- Chattanooga
- Knoxville
If you’re lucky enough to hit $200,000 or more, you’re making a trip to Nashville. No exceptions.
Common Misconceptions About TN Lottery Numbers
I see a lot of people trying to "predict" numbers based on what was drawn yesterday. This is known as the Gambler's Fallacy. Just because 16 was drawn in the Daily Jackpot last night doesn't make it more or less likely to appear tonight. The balls don't have a memory.
Also, the "Quick Pick" vs. "Manual Pick" debate? It doesn't matter. Statistically, about 70-80% of winners use Quick Pick, but that’s only because 70-80% of people buy Quick Picks. The odds are exactly the same.
Practical Steps for Tennessee Players
If you play regularly, here is the smart way to handle it:
- Use the Official App: The Tennessee Lottery app has a scanner. Use it. It’s way more reliable than squinting at a PDF or a third-party website.
- Join VIP Rewards: Don't throw away losing tickets. You can scan them into the VIP Rewards program for "Play It Again" drawings. People like Andrew Layne from Nashville recently won $7,500 just from a second-chance drawing in December 2025.
- Check the "Remaining Prizes" List: If you like scratch-offs, check the official website first. There’s no point buying a $30 ticket if all the top prizes have already been claimed.
To stay on top of the latest results, make sure you are checking the official TEL website or using the ticket scanner immediately after the 11:00 p.m. CT drawings. If you have a winning ticket for a large amount, secure it in a safe place and consult with a financial advisor before heading to Nashville to claim your prize.