Checking your Vermont Mega Millions numbers usually starts with a frantic Google search after a Tuesday or Friday night drawing. You're looking for those six little digits that could potentially let you retire to a cabin in the Northeast Kingdom and never think about a spreadsheet again. But honestly, there’s more to the VT lottery than just matching white balls.
Since the Vermont Lottery joined the Mega Millions family back in 2003, the game has changed a lot. We’ve seen the price hike to $5 per play—which includes a mandatory multiplier now—and jackpots that soar into the billions. If you’re holding a ticket from the January 13, 2026, drawing, you might want to look closely. The winning numbers were 16, 40, 56, 64, 66 with a Mega Ball of 4.
Did you hit it? Probably not. The odds are roughly 1 in 302 million for the jackpot, but hey, someone has to win.
The Vermont Twist on Mega Millions Rules
Most people don't realize that Vermont does things slightly differently than, say, New Hampshire or New York. In the Green Mountain State, every Mega Millions ticket you buy for $5 automatically comes with the "Megaplier" feature. In other states, that's usually an optional $1 add-on.
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Basically, you’re paying a bit more upfront, but your non-jackpot prizes are automatically multiplied by 2, 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times. It sort of softens the blow when you "only" match four numbers. Instead of a flat prize, that multiplier kicks in and suddenly you've got enough for a very nice down payment on a house.
Here is how the payouts actually look for a $5 ticket in Vermont right now:
- 5 Numbers + Mega Ball: The Jackpot (currently sitting at an estimated $230 million for the January 16, 2026, draw).
- 5 Numbers only: $1,000,000 base, but with a 10x multiplier, that's $10 million.
- 4 Numbers + Mega Ball: $10,000 base.
- Just the Mega Ball: $5 (you basically get your money back).
It’s a bit of a gamble on a gamble. You’ve got no choice but to play the multiplier, which is why a single play in Vermont costs more than the national $2 baseline.
Where to Actually Buy Your Tickets
If you're looking for a "lucky" spot, plenty of locals swear by the Jolley Short Stops or the various Hannaford locations scattered across the state. Honestly, though, the machine doesn't care if you're in Burlington or a tiny general store in Peacham.
One thing you should know: Vermont is a bit old-school. You cannot buy Vermont Mega Millions numbers or tickets online through the official state lottery website yet. While apps like Jackpocket exist in other states, Vermont hasn't fully embraced the digital age for ticket sales. You still have to walk into a physical retailer, grab a slip, and use a pen. There's something kind of nostalgic about it, I guess.
What Happens if Your Vermont Mega Millions Numbers Match?
Let's say the impossible happens. You check your phone, look at the slip, and the Vermont Mega Millions numbers actually match. Don't go running into the streets yet.
First, sign the back of that ticket. In Vermont, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it and has signed it owns it. If you lose an unsigned winning ticket, you're basically out of luck.
Claiming Your Prize
The process for getting your hands on the cash depends on how much you won:
- Under $500: Any authorized Vermont Lottery agent can pay this out. Most gas stations and grocery stores will handle it if they have the cash on hand.
- $500 to $5,000: You can go to any M&T Bank in Vermont. They have a partnership with the lottery to handle these mid-tier claims. You’ll need a claim form and a valid ID.
- Over $5,000: Pack your bags for Berlin. Not Germany—the town in Vermont. The Lottery Headquarters is located at 1311 US Route 302, Suite 100. This is where the big checks are cut.
Keep in mind that Vermont isn't a "dark" state for winners. While some states let you stay anonymous, Vermont law generally considers the winner's name, town, and prize amount to be public record. If you win $200 million, the neighbors are going to find out.
Taxes: The Part Everyone Hates
Winning the lottery feels like free money until the tax man knocks. For prizes over $5,000, the Vermont Lottery is required to withhold:
- 24% for Federal income tax.
- 6% for Vermont State income tax.
That’s 30% gone before you even touch the check. And depending on your total income for the year, you might owe even more when you file your returns the following April. It’s a "good" problem to have, but it’s still a hit.
Common Mistakes When Checking Numbers
I see this all the time. People check the "winning numbers" on a random website and think they won because they have the same digits, but they're looking at the wrong date. Always, always verify with the official Vermont Lottery website.
Another big one? Not checking for the "Break Even" prizes. Many people toss their tickets if they don't see four or five matches. But if you just got the Mega Ball (the gold one), you won $5. It pays for your next ticket.
Also, remember that you have exactly one year (365 days) from the drawing date to claim your prize. After that, the money goes back into the state's Education Fund. Since 1978, the Vermont Lottery has contributed over $1 billion to state education, so even if you lose, you're technically "donating" to the local schools.
Actionable Next Steps for VT Players
If you're planning to play the next draw on Friday, January 16, 2026:
- Set a Budget: Don't spend the rent money. It’s a $5 game in Vermont, which adds up faster than the $2 games elsewhere.
- Check the Multiplier: When the draw happens, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the Megaplier (it'll be a number between 2 and 10). That determines if your $10 win becomes a $100 win.
- Keep Your Ticket Safe: Put it in a specific spot in your wallet. Or better yet, take a photo of the front and back as soon as you buy it.
- Use the "Check My Numbers" Tool: The VT Lottery site has a tool where you can input your specific numbers and a date range. It’s much more reliable than squinting at a tiny font on a PDF.
The jackpot for the upcoming Friday draw is an estimated $230,000,000. That’s enough to buy a lot of maple syrup—or maybe just the whole sugar shack.