Checking the megabucks winning numbers for saturday is basically a ritual for some of us. You grab your coffee, pull up the results, and hope the universe finally decided to align those plastic balls in your favor. Saturday, January 17, 2026, was no different. Whether you’re playing in the Pacific Northwest or the snowy streets of Wisconsin, the numbers are out, and honestly, the results were a mixed bag of "so close" and "maybe next time."
Usually, people just want the numbers fast. No fluff. I get it. But there is a lot of nuance to how these draws actually went down across the different state versions of "Megabucks." Let's break down exactly what happened this weekend.
The Winning Numbers: A State-by-State Breakdown
It is super important to remember that "Megabucks" isn't one single national game like Powerball. It’s a brand used by several state lotteries. If you’re holding an Oregon ticket and looking at Wisconsin results, you’re gonna have a bad time.
Oregon Megabucks Results
In Oregon, the jackpot has been climbing steadily. For the drawing on Saturday, January 17, the winning numbers were:
7, 8, 13, 37, 38, and 42.
The jackpot was sitting at a cool $7.5 million. Looking at the sequence, we saw a rare "double-double" with 7-8 and 37-38. Statistically, consecutive numbers happen more often than people think, but getting two sets in one draw? That's definitely a bit of a statistical quirk.
Wisconsin Megabucks Results
Over in Wisconsin, the vibe was a little different. Their Megabucks game is a 6/49 format, and for Saturday night, the winning numbers came up:
8, 17, 28, 32, 43, and 44.
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The estimated jackpot here was around $1.4 million. Wisconsin also has that "EZ Match" feature which some people swear by, but for the main draw, no one managed to nab all six. This means the jackpot is rolling over again for the next draw on Wednesday.
Massachusetts Megabucks
Massachusetts recently revamped their game to "Megabucks" (formerly Megabucks Doubler). For the Saturday, January 17 drawing, the lucky numbers were:
15, 17, 18, 22, 24, and 34.
The jackpot in the Bay State has been getting some serious attention lately because it’s been hovering around the $10.5 million mark. That’s a massive chunk of change for a state-level game.
Maine Megabucks
Maine’s version, often played as part of the Tri-State Megabucks (with New Hampshire and Vermont), had its own set of numbers.
2, 10, 23, 26, 28, and the Megaball was 3.
Why Saturday Drawings Feel Different
There’s a reason search volume for megabucks winning numbers for saturday spikes way higher than the Monday or Wednesday draws. It’s the weekend. More people are out at the gas station or the grocery store, and the "why not?" factor kicks in.
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I’ve talked to lottery retailers who say Saturday is easily their busiest day for "the big games." People have a bit of extra time to check their tickets and dream. But here's the thing: your odds don't change just because more people are playing. In Oregon, your odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 6,991,908. In Wisconsin, it's about the same.
It's a long shot. We all know that. But someone has to win, right?
Common Misconceptions About Saturday Numbers
I hear a lot of "theories" about why certain numbers come up. Let’s clear some of that up because honestly, some of the "lottery strategy" stuff online is just plain wrong.
- "Hot" and "Cold" Numbers: People love tracking which numbers haven't appeared in a while. For Saturday's Oregon draw, the number 8 was actually considered "warm" by some trackers, and it did show up. But the machine doesn't have a memory. The balls don't know they haven't been picked lately. Each draw is a fresh start.
- The "Birthday" Trap: A lot of people play birthdays. Notice anything about the Oregon numbers? 7, 8, 13, 37, 38, 42. If you played birthdays, you could only have gotten 7, 8, and 13. You would have missed the high numbers entirely. This is why people who play dates often end up sharing small prizes—they're all crowded into the 1-31 range.
- Quick Picks vs. Self-Pick: There is zero statistical difference. Saturday's results didn't favor one over the other. Most winners are Quick Picks simply because most tickets sold are Quick Picks.
What to Do If Your Numbers Actually Matched
If you looked at the megabucks winning numbers for saturday and realized you’re holding a winner, first: breathe. Seriously.
Don't go running to the lottery office five minutes after the draw. They aren't even open.
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- Sign the back immediately: This is the most important step. A lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it. If you drop it and it's unsigned, whoever finds it can claim it.
- Take a photo of both sides: Digital proof is your friend.
- Keep it quiet: You don't need to post it on Facebook. Trust me.
- Check the expiration: Most states give you 180 days to a year, but don't sit on it forever. Oregon, for example, is pretty strict about their one-year deadline.
The Reality of the Rollover
Since no one hit the big one in Wisconsin or Massachusetts this Saturday, the jackpots are growing. This is where the "Lottery Fever" starts to kick in. When the Oregon jackpot crossed the $7 million mark a few weeks ago, ticket sales jumped by nearly 20%.
We're seeing the same thing happen now. The next draws are scheduled for Monday, January 19. If you’re planning on playing, the advice from financial experts like those at Vanguard or Schwab is always the same: only play what you can afford to lose. It’s entertainment, not an investment strategy.
Actionable Steps for the Next Drawing
If you missed out this time, here is how you should handle the next round:
- Check the right state: Double-check that you are looking at the results for the state where you actually bought the ticket.
- Use the official apps: Most state lotteries (like the Oregon Lottery or the Wisconsin Lottery) have official apps that let you scan your ticket. It's much safer than trying to read the numbers yourself when you're tired.
- Verify the "Kicker" or "Multiplier": Don't just look at the main numbers. In Oregon, the "Kicker" can quadruple your non-jackpot prizes. A lot of people throw away tickets that won $40 because they didn't realize it was actually $160.
- Set a budget: If you’re playing the Wednesday and Saturday draws, decide on a monthly limit.
The megabucks winning numbers for saturday may not have made you a millionaire this week, but there's always the next draw. Just remember to play smart and keep those tickets in a safe place.