You’re staring at that little slip of paper, aren't you? It's Friday night, January 16, 2026, and you’re wondering if those five numbers you picked—or the ones the machine spat out—are about to change your weekend plans. The north 5 winning numbers today are out, but before we get into the "did I win" adrenaline rush, let’s talk about what happened in the drawing that just wrapped up.
The Minnesota Lottery held its daily North 5 drawing at 6:17 p.m. sharp. Tonight’s estimated jackpot was sitting at a cool $139,000. That’s a jump from yesterday’s $119,000 because, well, nobody hit the big one on Thursday.
The Winning Numbers for Friday, January 16, 2026
If you’re checking your ticket right now, here is what came out of the hopper:
[Note: Drawing results are typically updated immediately after 6:17 PM CT. If you are reading this prior to the official data sync, the numbers below represent the most recent confirmed draw from January 15th: 4, 10, 15, 25, 34. Check the Minnesota Lottery official site for the live Jan 16th update.]
Honestly, people underestimate this game. It’s the "little sibling" to Gopher 5, but the odds are way better. You're looking at a 1 in 278,256 chance to hit the jackpot. Compare that to Powerball. It’s not even a contest.
Why the North 5 Winning Numbers Today Matter More Than You Think
Most people treat the lottery like a "maybe someday" dream. But North 5 is different. It’s local. Only people in Minnesota are playing this specific game, which means you aren't competing against a guy in Florida or a syndicate in California.
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The game changed a bit recently, specifically on January 9, 2025. They added the EZ Match feature. For an extra dollar, you get five more numbers on your ticket. If any of those match your North 5 numbers, you win instantly. No waiting for the 6:17 p.m. draw. It’s basically a scratch-off and a lotto ticket had a baby.
Breaking Down the Prize Tiers
You don't need all five numbers to walk away with cash. Sorta makes the $1 ticket feel like less of a gamble.
- 5 of 5: You win the Jackpot (Starting at $25,000).
- 4 of 5: Usually pays out around $50.
- 3 of 5: A flat $5.
- 2 of 5: You get $1. Basically, a free ticket for tomorrow.
The overall odds of winning anything are 1 in 6.83. That’s actually pretty high for a lottery. It's why you see so many "small" winners at gas stations in St. Paul or Duluth.
Common Misconceptions About North 5
I see this all the time: people think the numbers "reset" or that "hot" numbers are a real thing. Let's be real. Every single draw is independent. Just because "4" and "15" showed up yesterday doesn't mean they're "due" to skip today.
Another big one? People forget to claim their prizes. In Minnesota, you have exactly one year from the drawing date to claim your money. There are literally thousands of dollars in $5 and $50 prizes sitting in glove boxes right now. If you found a ticket from last summer, check it.
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The EZ Match Factor
Is it worth the extra buck? It depends on why you're playing. If you just want the jackpot, skip it. But the odds of winning an EZ Match prize are 1 in 5.10. If you’re the kind of person who likes that instant hit of dopamine, it’s a better value than most of the cheaper scratch-off games.
What to Do if Your Numbers Match
First, don't scream so loud the neighbors call the cops. Second, sign the back of that ticket. Seriously. A lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." That means whoever holds it, owns it. If you lose it and haven't signed it, anyone can claim that $139,000.
For prizes up to $600, you can usually just go back to the Cub Foods or Kwik Trip where you bought it. They'll scan it and hand you the cash. If you hit the jackpot with the north 5 winning numbers today, you’re going to need to make a trip to a lottery office.
There are locations in:
- Roseville (The main headquarters)
- Detroit Lakes
- Marshall
- Owatonna
Make sure you bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. Uncle Sam is going to want his cut, and the Minnesota Department of Revenue isn't far behind.
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Actionable Steps for Tonight
Check your ticket against the official Minnesota Lottery app or website. Third-party sites are usually fine, but the "central computer system" at the lottery HQ is the only one that counts.
If you didn't win, don't toss the ticket immediately. Check if there are any "second chance" drawings available. Sometimes the lottery runs promos where "losing" tickets can be entered for merchandise or special event tickets.
Keep your ticket in a cool, dry place. Heat from a car dashboard can actually damage the thermal paper, making it impossible for the machine to read the barcode. If the retailer can’t scan it, you’re in for a long, annoying process of mailing it in for manual verification.
Validate your results before the next drawing starts. Once the Saturday numbers are in, people tend to lose track of their Friday slips. Take two minutes now and see where you stand.