Checking your ticket and seeing the cash 5 indiana winning numbers can feel like a heart-thumping moment of truth. Most people just glance at the screen, see they didn't hit the jackpot, and toss the slip in the trash. That's a huge mistake.
Honestly, the Hoosier Lottery's Cash 5 is one of the most misunderstood games in the state. People obsess over the massive Powerball jackpots, but the math actually favors the local guy here.
You've got a much better shot at a life-changing windfall with this daily draw than you do with the multi-state giants. It’s basically the "working man's" lottery.
What Happened in the Latest Cash 5 Indiana Results
Let’s look at the actual numbers that just dropped. For the drawing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the winning numbers were 21, 29, 32, 42, and 43.
If you held those five digits, you're looking at a jackpot that starts at $45,000 and grows every single night it isn't hit. Sometimes it reaches heights of $500,000 or even $700,000.
Just a few nights ago, on Sunday, January 11, the numbers were 12, 13, 20, 34, and 39. Monday's draw followed up with 19, 26, 33, 40, and 45.
Notice a pattern? Of course not. It's random. But seeing the spread helps you realize that high numbers (those over 30) have been showing up frequently this week.
How the Jackpot Really Works
The jackpot isn't a fixed amount. It’s pari-mutuel. That’s a fancy way of saying if three people hit the same numbers, they split the pot.
If nobody wins? The money rolls over. This is how you get those "must-play" nights where the prize is worth way more than the $1 entry fee would suggest.
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Why the Odds are Better Than You Think
Most players look at the jackpot odds—1 in 1,221,759—and feel discouraged. But compare that to Powerball's 1 in 292 million.
You are literally hundreds of times more likely to win a Cash 5 jackpot.
The lower tiers are where the game actually pays for your hobby. Matching four numbers gets you $200. The odds for that are 1 in 6,109.
Matching three numbers pays out $15 (1 in 157 odds).
The most common "win" is matching two numbers. This gets you a Free Cash 5 Quick Pick ticket. The odds are 1 in 12.
If you play regularly, those free tickets are basically your "rebate" for staying in the game. It keeps your bankroll alive without extra out-of-pocket spending.
The EZmatch Secret Most People Ignore
You can add a feature called EZmatch for an extra $1. When you do this, five EZmatch numbers are printed right on your ticket with a prize amount next to them.
If any of those match your Cash 5 numbers, you win that prize instantly. You don't even have to wait for the 11:00 PM ET drawing.
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I’ve seen people walk out of a gas station with $500 before the sun even goes down.
The top EZmatch prize is $500, and the overall odds of winning something on that extra dollar are 1 in 5.1.
It's a smart move if you're the type of person who hates waiting.
How to Claim Your Winnings Without the Headache
If you find yourself holding a ticket that matches the cash 5 indiana winning numbers, don't just run to the nearest retailer.
First, sign the back of the ticket. It’s a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it. If you drop a signed ticket, you're still in trouble, but it's way harder for someone else to claim it.
Where to go based on what you won
- Under $600: Most retailers will pay this out in cash on the spot. Some smaller shops might not have the cash on hand, so you might need to try a bigger grocery store like Kroger or Meijer.
- $600 to $49,999: You’ll need to mail it in or visit a regional Prize Payment Center. There are offices in Indianapolis, Mishawaka, and Evansville.
- $50,000 or more: You have to go to the headquarters in Indianapolis. You should definitely call 1-800-955-6886 first to make an appointment.
You have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim your prize. After that, the money goes back into the prize pool or state funds. Don't be the person who finds a $200 winner in their glove box six months too late.
Common Mistakes and Strategy Myths
Let's get one thing straight: "Hot" and "Cold" numbers are mostly a psychological trap.
While some websites track which numbers have appeared most in the last 30 days, every single drawing is an independent event. The machine doesn't "remember" that 21 was drawn yesterday.
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However, there is one strategic move you can make: Avoid common patterns. Many people play birthdays (1 through 31) or sequences like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. If those numbers hit, you are almost guaranteed to share that jackpot with dozens of other people.
By picking numbers above 31, you increase the statistical likelihood that if you win, you win the whole pot yourself.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Play
Check your tickets from the January 13th draw against these numbers: 21, 29, 32, 42, 43.
If you didn't win, your next move is to decide on a budget. Never "chase" a rollover by spending money intended for rent or groceries.
For your next ticket, consider using the Hoosier Lottery app to build a digital playslip. It’s faster and prevents you from making mistakes on the paper slips.
If you win a free ticket from matching two numbers, try adding EZmatch to that free ticket for just $1. It’s a low-cost way to potentially turn a "small win" into an instant cash payout while you wait for the nightly results.
The next drawing is tonight at approximately 11:00 PM ET. Make sure you get your entries in before the 10:39 PM ET cutoff time.