You just found an old ticket in your center console. It’s a little crumpled, maybe a bit sticky from a spilled soda, but the numbers are still legible. This is the moment where Missouri players either celebrate or toss a piece of paper that could have paid for a new truck.
Keeping up with MO state lottery results isn't just about checking the big national games like Powerball. Honestly, Missouri has a weirdly specific ecosystem of local draws that move fast. If you aren't checking the daily numbers for Show Me Cash or the Pick 3/4 "Wild Ball" variations, you’re basically leaving money on the table.
Let’s get into what actually happened in the latest drawings and how the system works right now in early 2026.
The Latest Winning Numbers (January 17-18, 2026)
If you played the Saturday night draws, here is the breakdown of what hit. The big multi-state games are climbing again, but the local Missouri-only prizes are where the frequent wins are happening.
Powerball (Saturday, Jan 17):
The winning numbers were 5, 8, 27, 49, 57 with a Powerball of 14. The Power Play multiplier was 4X. The jackpot has rolled to an estimated $193 million for Monday's draw because nobody hit the big one. One lucky soul in South Carolina matched five and used the Power Play to bag $2 million, but we're still waiting for a big Missouri winner this month.
Lotto (Saturday, Jan 17):
Missouri's own Lotto game saw the numbers 8, 9, 17, 25, 29, 30 with a Bulls-Eye of 17. The jackpot was sitting at a cool $1 million.
Show Me Cash:
This one is a daily favorite. On January 17, the numbers were 7, 12, 15, 31, 33. The jackpot was $80,000. It’s a rolling jackpot, so it’s not huge yet, but it’s way easier to win than the national games.
The Daily "Pick" Games (Sunday Midday, Jan 18):
- Pick 3: 8 - 8 - 6 (Wild Ball: 3)
- Pick 4: 7 - 2 - 3 - 6 (Wild Ball: 1)
Why the Wild Ball Matters
Most people see the "Wild Ball" on the MO state lottery results and sort of ignore it. Don't do that. It’s an extra number drawn that can replace any of the regular numbers to create a winning combination. If you didn't quite hit your Pick 3 but the Wild Ball makes it a match, you still get paid. It costs a little extra to add to your ticket, but it’s saved many players from a "so close" heartbreak.
The Tax Hit: What You Actually Take Home
Missouri is one of those states that takes its cut before you even see the check. If you win more than $600.01, the Missouri Lottery is legally required to withhold 4% for state taxes.
It gets heavier if you win big. For any prize over $5,000, they also take 24% for federal taxes right off the top.
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So, if you hit a $100,000 prize on a Scratcher, you aren't getting $100,000. You’re getting roughly $72,000 after both state and federal withholdings. And remember, that’s just the withholding. Depending on your tax bracket, you might owe even more when you file your return in April. It’s a good idea to talk to a pro if you hit anything with four or more zeros in it.
The 180-Day Rule is No Joke
I’ve seen it happen. Someone finds a ticket from seven months ago, checks the MO state lottery results, realizes they won $500, and takes it to the gas station only to be told it's "expired."
In Missouri, you have exactly 180 days from the drawing date to claim your prize. If it’s a Scratcher, you have 180 days from the official "end of game" date. Once that clock runs out, that money goes into the Lottery Proceeds Fund, which mostly goes toward Missouri public education. It’s a good cause, sure, but I’d rather you have the cash.
How to Claim Without the Hassle
If you've won $600 or less, you can basically go to any authorized retailer in the state. Most gas stations and grocery stores will pay you out in cash right there.
For prizes over $600, it gets more formal:
- Drop-off: You can drop your signed ticket at any Missouri Lottery office (St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, or Jefferson City).
- Mail-in: You can mail it, but honestly, that feels risky with a big winner. If you do, use registered mail.
- Appointment: For the massive jackpots, you’re going to Jefferson City.
Common Myths About Missouri Winners
A lot of people think they can stay anonymous in Missouri. Sorta.
You can't just hide completely. While Missouri law protects the names of winners of some prizes from being public record unless the winner gives written consent, the lottery still has to share the info with other state agencies (like for child support or back taxes). Also, the "Show Me" state loves to celebrate its winners, so if you win a $200 million Powerball, expect some pressure to do a photo op with a giant check.
Another myth? That certain stores are "luckier."
Statistically, a store that sells more tickets will have more winners. That's it. A QuikTrip in St. Louis that sells 5,000 tickets a week will have more "winning" tickets than a small shop in rural Ozarks that sells 50. The odds on the ticket itself never change.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Play
Check your tickets. Seriously. Go to the official Missouri Lottery app and use the scanner feature. It’s way more reliable than squinting at a screen or a newspaper.
If you do find a winner:
- Sign the back immediately. Until you sign it, anyone who holds that ticket can claim it.
- Take a photo. Keep a digital record of the front and back of the signed ticket.
- Check the expiration. Look at the draw date on your MO state lottery results search and count 180 days. If you’re at day 170, get to a lottery office tomorrow.
- Set aside tax money. If you won $1,000, only 4% was taken for the state. You still owe the feds. Don't spend it all before tax season.
Missouri games like Cash Pop and Show Me Cash move fast with multiple draws a day. Keep your tickets organized and check them at least once a week to make sure you aren't the one contributing to the millions in unclaimed prizes that go back to the state every year.