If you woke up this morning and immediately checked your phone for the winning numbers, you’re definitely not alone. It's that classic ritual. You hold your breath, squint at the screen, and hope those little white circles on your ticket actually match the ones on the screen. Honestly, it’s the cheapest form of entertainment you can buy for two bucks—the dream of never having to set another alarm for a Monday morning.
So, let's cut to the chase. Since "yesterday" was Friday, January 16, 2026, there is actually a bit of a trick to the answer.
What Were the Numbers for the Powerball Yesterday?
The short answer is: there was no Powerball drawing yesterday.
Powerball drawings happen three times a week—specifically on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. Since yesterday was a Friday, the machines were quiet. However, I know why you're probably searching. Usually, when people ask this on a Saturday morning, they are either looking for the results of the Wednesday, January 14 drawing, or they are gearing up for the big one happening tonight, Saturday, January 17.
If you are holding a ticket from the most recent drawing on Wednesday night, here is what came out of the hopper:
06 - 24 - 39 - 43 - 51 and the Powerball was 02.
The Power Play multiplier was 2x.
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For those who opted for the Double Play—that extra dollar add-on that's becoming super popular—those numbers were:
06 - 20 - 28 - 47 - 48 with a Double Play Powerball of 03.
It’s kinda wild how close some people get. You’ll see a 38 on your ticket and a 39 on the screen and feel that physical pang in your chest. That's the lottery for you.
Did Anyone Win the Jackpot?
Nobody hit all six numbers on Wednesday. Because of that, the jackpot has rolled over, which is why everyone is buzzing today. When no one wins, the pot grows, and the "lottery fever" starts to set in at gas stations and convenience stores across the country.
The estimated jackpot for the drawing tonight, Saturday, January 17, is sitting at a cool $179 million.
If you were to take the lump sum—the "I want my money now" option—you’d be looking at roughly $80.8 million before the tax man takes his cut. Still, that’s enough to buy a small island or at least pay off the mortgage and buy a very fancy car for every person you actually like.
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The Friday Lottery Confusion
It’s very common to get the days mixed up, especially since Mega Millions—the other giant jackpot game—actually does draw on Friday nights.
If you bought a ticket yesterday thinking it was Powerball, you might actually be holding a Mega Millions ticket. If that's the case, you'll want to check these numbers from the Friday, January 16 drawing:
- 02 - 22 - 33 - 42 - 67
- Mega Ball: 01
- Megaplier: 1x
Basically, Friday is Mega Millions night, and Saturday is Powerball night. It’s a lot to keep track of if you aren't a regular player. Honestly, the best way to keep it straight is to remember that Powerball starts the week (Monday), hits the middle (Wednesday), and ends the week (Saturday).
Why Do We Play Even When the Odds are Long?
We all know the odds are astronomical. We're talking 1 in 292.2 million for the Powerball jackpot. You’re statistically more likely to be struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark, or something equally ridiculous.
But people don't play for the statistics. They play for the "what if."
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I’ve talked to folks who have a whole spreadsheet of what they’d buy first. A house for mom? Check. A donation to the local animal shelter? Check. Quitting the job in a dramatic, yet tasteful, fashion? Triple check. That $2 ticket is basically a license to daydream for 48 hours.
What Most People Get Wrong About Winning
Most people think it’s jackpot or bust. That’s actually not true. Even if you didn't match all the numbers for the big prize yesterday (or Wednesday), you should still scan your ticket.
On Wednesday’s drawing, even though the jackpot didn't go, there were thousands of smaller winners. Two people in Indiana, for example, matched four white balls and the Powerball to win $50,000 each. That’s not "buy a private jet" money, but it’s definitely "fix the roof and go on a really nice vacation" money.
There are nine different ways to win a prize in Powerball. You can win $4 just for matching the red Powerball itself. It’s not much, but it pays for your next two tickets!
Actionable Next Steps for Ticket Holders
If you have a stack of tickets on your nightstand and you're still wondering about the numbers for the Powerball yesterday, here is your game plan:
- Check the Date: Ensure your ticket is for the January 14 drawing (Wednesday) or the upcoming January 17 drawing (Saturday).
- Use the App: Don't trust your own eyes at 7:00 AM. Most state lotteries have an official app where you can scan the barcode. It’s much safer than trying to read the numbers manually.
- Check for "Power Play": If you spent the extra dollar on the Power Play and you won a non-jackpot prize, that prize could be doubled or tripled. Don't leave money on the table.
- Sign the Back: If you did win, sign that ticket immediately. In most states, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it.
The jackpot for tonight is significant enough to change things, but not so big that the lines at the grocery store will be out the door. It’s the "sweet spot" for playing. Good luck out there—hopefully, the numbers falling out of the drum tonight are the ones you’ve got tucked in your wallet.