You ever get that feeling at the Wawa counter? You’re standing there, coffee in one hand, looking at the neon glow of the lottery screen, wondering if today is the day your boss becomes a distant memory. Well, if you played last night, you might want to put that coffee down and grab your wallet. Honestly, things have been pretty wild in the Garden State lately. We just had a massive Jersey Cash 5 jackpot hit in Somerset County for over $634,000, and people are scrambling to check their pockets.
If you're looking for the absolute latest new jersey winning numbers, I’ve got you covered right here. This isn't just a list of digits; it’s a breakdown of what happened, who’s winning, and how the rules are actually changing for us in 2026.
The Latest Results: What Hit Last Night?
Let’s get right to it. If you were in the Friday night drawings (January 16, 2026), here is the breakdown of what the machines spit out.
Pick 3 and Pick 4 (Friday, Jan 16)
These are the bread and butter of Jersey gaming. Kinda the local favorites.
- Pick 3 Evening: 8-7-7 (Fireball: 8)
- Pick 4 Evening: 8-7-3-9 (Fireball: 8)
- Pick 3 Midday: 8-7-7 (Fireball: 8) — Wait, yeah, the midday and evening Pick 3 were identical. That’s the kind of glitch in the matrix that makes people talk.
- Pick 4 Midday: 2-7-5-9 (Fireball: 8)
Jersey Cash 5 (Friday night)
This is where the real money moved yesterday. A lucky player in Raritan (Somerset County) is currently sitting on a ticket worth $634,313. If you bought yours at Raritan Oil on East Somerset Street, stop reading this and go sign that ticket.
- Winning Numbers: 13, 25, 38, 39, 41
- Bullseye: 39
- Xtra: 02
Cash4Life (Friday night)
Who doesn't want a thousand bucks a day for the rest of their life? Seriously.
- Winning Numbers: 1, 15, 50, 55, 57
- Cash Ball: 02
The Big Multi-State Jackpots
If you’re hunting the "never work again" kind of money, you’re looking at the big boys. Powerball and Mega Millions have been climbing.
Mega Millions (Jan 16 drawing) numbers were 16, 40, 56, 64, 66 and the Mega Ball was 04. The jackpot is currently sitting at a cool $230 million. It’s not a record-breaker yet, but it’s definitely enough to buy a small island or at least a very nice house in Alpine.
Powerball is up next tonight, Saturday, Jan 17. The estimated jackpot is $179 million. Last Wednesday's numbers were 06, 24, 39, 43, 51 with a Powerball of 02. No one hit the big one, but an Ocean County player did bag $500,000 on a Double Play ticket sold at the QuickCheck in Manchester. Not a bad consolation prize.
Why 2026 is Changing How We Play
There is some big news coming out of Trenton that most people are totally missing. There’s a new bill, Senate No. 3026, sponsored by Senator Benjie Wimberly. Basically, it’s going to make claiming prizes way less of a headache.
Right now, if you win $600 or more, you usually have to trek down to the Lottery headquarters in Lawrence Park or mail in your ticket like it’s 1995. This new law is pushing the State Lottery Commission to finally let us validate and claim those $600+ prizes right through the official app. You’d be able to get the money direct-deposited. It’s about time, honestly.
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Current Claim Rules (Don't mess this up)
Until that law fully kicks in, you still have to follow the old-school path for the big wins:
- Under $599.99: Any lottery retailer. Just hand it over, get your cash, move on.
- $600 to $10,000: You can actually use the mobile app for some of these now, but many people still prefer the mail-in method.
- Over $10,000: This requires a claim form. You can drop it in the secure box at 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle in Trenton.
Wait. Important note. Sign the back of your ticket immediately. I know everyone says it, but if you lose an unsigned ticket, anyone who finds it can claim it. It’s legally a "bearer instrument." Don't be that person.
The "Green Ball" is Back
If you're a Pick-3 regular, you’ve probably noticed the Green Ball promotion is back this month. For the evening draws, they’ve got that separate machine. If the Green Ball pops up, they do a second drawing. It basically doubles your chances of hitting something on your Pick-3 numbers. It’s a limited-time thing for January, so take advantage while the luck is extra concentrated.
Real Talk on the Odds
Let's be real for a second. We all play because "anything can happen in Jersey," but the math is what it is.
Jersey Cash 5 has way better odds than Powerball. You're looking at about 1 in 1.2 million to hit the Cash 5 jackpot. Compare that to 1 in 292 million for Powerball. This is why we see so many more local millionaires coming out of the Cash 5 game. Just last week, a player in Middlesex County (South River) hit a nearly $2 million jackpot. That’s life-changing money with much "easier" odds.
How to Check Your Tickets Properly
Don't rely on a quick glance. I’ve seen people toss winning tickets because they misread the date or the game.
- Official App: Use the scanner. It’s the most reliable way.
- The Website: njlottery.com is the source of truth.
- YouTube: They actually livestream the drawings. If you want the drama of the balls dropping in real-time, the midday draw is at 12:59 PM and the evening is at 10:57 PM.
Actionable Steps for NJ Players
If you’ve got a stack of tickets on your dresser, here is your game plan:
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- Scan everything from the last 30 days. You’d be surprised how many $5 and $10 wins go unclaimed, and those add up to more tickets.
- Check the Somerset and Middlesex results. If you bought tickets in Raritan or South River recently, double-check those specifically. There are unclaimed six-figure prizes in those areas right now.
- Keep an eye on the Quick Draw Progressive. Every Thursday from 5 PM to 7 PM through June, they’re doing 50% bonus hours on prizes. It's a great window to play if you're already out at a bar or restaurant that has the screens.
- Watch the Powerball tonight. $179 million isn't a billion, but it's enough to never see a Monday morning at the office again.
The numbers are out there, and someone in Somerset County is waking up a lot richer today. Might as well be you next time. Stay safe, play smart, and remember—it only takes one.
Data Verified As Of: January 17, 2026.
Official Source: New Jersey State Lottery Commission.