You’re standing at the Wawa counter, coffee in one hand, and you see that glowing screen. It says the jackpot is climbing. You think, "Why not?" Most people in New Jersey have been there. But keeping up with nj cash five lottery results isn't just about the big number at the top of the ticket anymore. The game has changed a lot since the days when it was just a simple pick-five.
Honestly, the way people track their numbers now is more intense than it used to be. With the nightly drawings at 10:57 p.m., the window between "I might be rich" and "back to work tomorrow" is pretty small. If you missed the latest draw on Friday, January 16, 2026, the winning numbers were 13, 25, 38, 39, and 41. The XTRA multiplier was x2.
The jackpot for that night sat at an estimated $624,000. Not Mega Millions money, sure, but definitely "pay off the mortgage and buy a boat" money.
What’s The Deal With The Bullseye?
If you haven’t played in a while, you might notice the ticket costs $2 now. That tripped me up at first, too. But that extra buck isn't just a price hike; it’s for the Bullseye feature. Basically, the fifth number drawn every night is the Bullseye. If you match it, your prize for matching 2, 3, or 4 numbers shoots up significantly.
For example, if you match 4 out of 5 numbers normally, you’re looking at a decent payout, maybe around $500. But if one of those four happens to be the Bullseye? That prize jumps to $2,500. It’s a huge difference for the same amount of "luck."
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I’ve talked to people who swear by the XTRA add-on as well. For an extra dollar, you get a multiplier. It doesn't affect the jackpot—let’s be clear about that—but it can turn a $15 win into $75 if the x5 multiplier hits. It’s a bit of a gamble on top of a gamble, but when you’re checking nj cash five lottery results on a Tuesday night, seeing that multiplier can be the highlight of the week.
The Odds Are Actually Better Than You Think
Let’s get real about the math. We all know the odds of winning the Powerball are basically "don't count on it." But Jersey Cash 5 is different. The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 1,221,759.
Compare that to the 1 in 292 million for Powerball.
Still a long shot? Totally. But it’s a long shot you can actually visualize. In 2024 alone, there were 74 jackpot winners in New Jersey. That’s more than one a week. People are actually winning this thing. The overall odds of winning any prize are about 1 in 25.7. So, while you might not be retiring tomorrow, you’ve got a fair shake at getting your $2 back or grabbing a fifty-dollar win.
How To Check Your Numbers Without Losing Your Mind
The official New Jersey Lottery website is the gold standard, but it can be a bit clunky on a phone. Most regulars use the NJ Lottery mobile app. It has a scanner feature. You just point your camera at the barcode, and it tells you if you’re a winner. No more squinting at the screen and re-reading your ticket five times because you can’t remember if you picked 38 or 39.
You can also watch the drawings live. They stream them on the NJ Lottery website and Facebook page at 10:57 p.m. every single night. There's something weirdly hypnotic about watching those numbered balls bounce around.
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If you’re looking for past nj cash five lottery results, here’s a quick look at the recent trend from the last few days in January 2026:
On January 15, the numbers were 15, 16, 17, 39, and 45. The jackpot was $557,000.
The day before that, January 14, saw 1, 10, 28, 31, and 41.
On January 13, the winning set was 10, 15, 16, 22, and 24.
Notice how the numbers often cluster? Some people call these "hot numbers." Mathematicians will tell you it's all random and the balls don't have a memory. They’re right, of course. But tell that to the guy who plays the same "cold" numbers for ten years and finally hits it.
Strategy Or Just Plain Luck?
Is there a "right" way to play? Kinda, but not really.
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Some people use the "Quick Pick" and let the computer decide. Others spend hours analyzing the frequency of certain numbers. The "Hot/Cold" charts on the NJ Lottery site show you which numbers have popped up the most lately. For instance, in early 2026, numbers in the 40s have been appearing quite a bit.
Does that mean a 40 is more likely to show up tomorrow? No. But it’s fun to pretend there’s a pattern.
One thing that actually makes sense is the "Double Play" option. For an extra dollar, your numbers get entered into a second drawing right after the main one. The top prize for Double Play is $250,000. It’s a separate pool of money, and it gives your ticket a second life if the first drawing was a bust.
What Happens If You Actually Win?
First off, breathe. Most people’s first instinct is to run to the retailer, but if you won a big jackpot, you need a plan. In New Jersey, you can actually remain anonymous if you win a prize over $600, thanks to a law passed a few years back. This is huge. It keeps the "long-lost cousins" from knocking on your door the next day.
You have one year from the date of the drawing to claim your prize. If it's a jackpot, you’re not getting a check at the gas station. You’ll need to visit the Lottery Headquarters in Lawrenceville.
And don't forget the tax man. The IRS takes their cut, and New Jersey takes its share too. For prizes over $5,000, the lottery is required to withhold 24% for federal taxes and usually around 5% to 8% for state taxes.
Actionable Next Steps For Players
If you're holding a ticket or thinking about grabbing one for the next draw on Saturday, January 17, here is exactly what you should do:
- Sign the back of your ticket immediately. A lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." That means whoever holds it, owns it. If you lose an unsigned winning ticket, you're out of luck.
- Download the NJ Lottery app. It’s the fastest way to check the nj cash five lottery results and use the "Check My Ticket" scanner.
- Double-check the Bullseye. Remember, the last number drawn is the Bullseye. Even if you only matched two numbers, if one is the Bullseye, you win $5. It pays for your next few tickets.
- Set a limit. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun. If you find yourself chasing losses or spending money meant for the electric bill, it's time to take a break. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ (1-800-GAMBLER) is a great resource if things get heavy.
- Keep your receipts. If you play a lot, some people keep their non-winning tickets for tax offsets against winnings, though you should talk to a tax pro about how that actually works for your specific situation.
The next Jersey Cash 5 jackpot is currently estimated at $150,000 since it likely reset after the recent run. It stays at that floor until someone hits all five, and then it starts climbing again. Whether you're a "Quick Pick" person or a "Birthdays and Anniversaries" strategist, the math is the same, but the local excitement is definitely real.