You’ve been there. It’s 11:35 PM in Georgia, and you’re staring at a crumpled $1 ticket, refreshing a browser tab while the humidity hangs heavy outside. You are looking for the fantasy 5 georgia winning numbers, hoping that today is the day the $125,000 (or much more) jackpot finally lands in your lap.
Most people think the lottery is just a blind shot in the dark. While it is a game of pure chance, there is a nuance to how the Georgia Lottery’s Fantasy 5 actually functions that separates the casual Friday-night players from those who understand the mechanics of the draw.
The Latest Draw: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
If you’re checking your ticket for the most recent major action, the winning numbers for Wednesday night were 01-06-10-29-32.
This specific drawing was a massive one. Two lucky players actually split a jackpot of $910,874, taking home exactly $455,437 each. One winner bought their ticket in Register, Georgia, using the official website, while the other was a resident of Upatoi who played via the mobile app.
It’s a perfect example of why this game remains a staple in the Peach State; the jackpot doesn't just sit at the $125,000 floor. It rolls. And when it rolls, it gets people talking.
How the Game Actually Works
Fantasy 5 is exclusive to Georgia. You won't find this exact pool in Florida or South Carolina. You pick five numbers from a field of 1 to 42. Simple enough.
🔗 Read more: Free Games in Play: Why Most Modern Titles Aren't Actually Free
But here is where the math gets interesting. The odds of hitting all five numbers are 1 in 850,668. Compared to the astronomical 1 in 302 million odds of Mega Millions, Fantasy 5 feels practically winnable.
It’s a pari-mutuel game. This is a fancy way of saying that the prize amounts for matching 3, 4, or 5 numbers aren't fixed. They depend on how many people played and how many people won. If 50 people match four numbers, they all split that tier's prize pool.
The Prize Tiers
- Match 5: You win the Jackpot (starts at $125,000).
- Match 4: Usually nets you around $200, though it fluctuates. For the Jan 14 draw, the Match 4 prize was **$185**.
- Match 3: Typically pays out roughly $10 to $15. On Jan 14, it was **$11**.
- Match 2: You get a free Quik Pik ticket for the next draw.
Honestly, the Match 2 prize is the engine of the game. It keeps you in the "loop" without having to reach back into your wallet. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 10.06.
The Record-Breaking Moments
Don't let the $125,000 starting point fool you. This game can produce life-changing money. In May 2025, a resident of Cartersville made headlines by hitting a record-breaking **$2,488,184** jackpot.
They bought the ticket at a Food City on Joe Frank Harris Parkway. Before that, the record had been held at $2.3 million for quite some time. It’s these rare, multi-million dollar climbs that turn Fantasy 5 from a daily hobby into a statewide phenomenon.
Strategies and Misconceptions
Some people swear by "hot" and "cold" numbers. They’ll look at the fantasy 5 georgia winning numbers from the last month and pick the ones that haven't appeared.
Is there logic there? Not really. Each drawing is an independent event. The mechanical drawing machines used at the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta don't have a memory. They don't know that "17" hasn't been picked in three weeks.
However, many seasoned players avoid "calendar" numbers. If you only pick numbers between 1 and 31 (dates of birth), and those numbers hit, you are much more likely to share your jackpot with dozens of other people who had the same idea. Picking higher numbers (32 through 42) doesn't increase your odds of winning, but it might increase your odds of winning alone.
Adding Ca$h Match
For an extra buck, you can add Ca$h Match. This is an instant-win feature printed right on your ticket. You don't have to wait for the 11:34 PM drawing. If any of your Fantasy 5 numbers match the Ca$h Match numbers, you win the amount shown instantly—up to $500.
✨ Don't miss: George Romero Call of Duty: The Story Behind the Director's Wildest Cameo
The odds of hitting that $500 instant prize are 1 in 84,000. It's a nice little "side quest" while you wait for the main event.
Where to Check Your Numbers
Timing is everything. Sales for Fantasy 5 cut off at 10:45 PM every night. If you buy a ticket at 10:46 PM, you're playing for tomorrow.
The drawings happen daily at 11:34 PM. You can watch them on WSB-TV if you're in the Atlanta area, but most people just check the Georgia Lottery app. If you won a prize up to $600 and bought your ticket online or through the app, the money is usually deposited automatically into your account. For anything larger, you’re going to need to make a trip to a district office or the headquarters in downtown Atlanta.
Actionable Steps for Players
- Sign your ticket immediately. If you bought a paper ticket at a gas station, it is a "bearer instrument." If you lose it and haven't signed it, whoever finds it can claim your money.
- Check the "unclaimed prizes" list. The Georgia Lottery website maintains a list of large prizes that are nearing their 180-day expiration. People forget. Don't be that person.
- Use the "Multi-Draw" option. If you have a set of "lucky" numbers, you can play them for up to 14 consecutive drawings. This saves you from having to rush to the store before the 10:45 PM cutoff.
- Set a budget. It’s easy to chase a rolling jackpot. Keep it fun. It’s a $1 game for a reason.
Whether you're looking for the fantasy 5 georgia winning numbers because you have a ticket in your hand or you're just curious how high the jackpot has climbed, remember that this game is a marathon, not a sprint. The proceeds from your $1 play go toward the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs, so even if you don't hit the 5-of-5, you’re technically contributing to Georgia’s education system.
🔗 Read more: Hunter Symbol 3: The Monster Hunter Wilds Material Nobody Explains Right
Check your numbers carefully—especially the dates. You have 180 days from the draw date to claim what's yours. If you're holding that 01-06-10-29-32 ticket from Wednesday, you should probably stop reading this and go find a safe place to put it.