So, you’re staring at that crumpled slip of paper in your hand, wondering if your life just changed forever. It’s that familiar morning-after ritual for thousands across the Peach State. Everyone wants to know the GA powerball numbers last night because, let’s be honest, the dream of never answering another "per my last email" is a powerful motivator.
The most recent Powerball drawing took place on Monday, January 12, 2026. If you were looking for a drawing on Tuesday night, here is the first thing you need to know: Powerball doesn't draw on Tuesdays. That's Mega Millions territory.
The Winning Numbers You’re Looking For
For the Monday, January 12 drawing, the winning numbers were 5, 27, 45, 56, and 59, with the red Powerball being 4.
The Power Play multiplier was 2x.
If you happened to check your ticket and saw these, you might want to sit down. Even if you didn't hit the big one, Georgia had plenty of people winning smaller chunks of change. It’s not always all or nothing. Sometimes it’s "enough to pay for a really nice dinner" or "enough to finally fix that weird sound the AC is making."
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What happened to the jackpot?
Nobody hit the grand prize. That means the estimated jackpot for the next drawing—scheduled for Wednesday, January 14—has climbed to $156 million. The cash option is sitting around $70.5 million.
Think about that for a second. Seventy million dollars. After the taxman takes his cut, you’re still looking at generational wealth. But the odds are, as always, a bit of a reality check: 1 in 292.2 million. You have a better chance of being struck by lightning while winning an Oscar.
Georgia’s Specific Rules: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Georgia is a bit unique when it comes to how they handle winners. If you bought your ticket at a QuikTrip in Atlanta or a gas station in Savannah, the rules for claiming your prize depend entirely on how much you won.
- Prizes $600 or less: You can get these at any authorized Georgia Lottery retailer. Most people just go back to the store where they bought the ticket.
- Prizes over $600: This is where it gets official. You’ll need to head to a Georgia Lottery District Office or the headquarters in Atlanta.
- The 180-Day Clock: You have exactly 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize. If you find a ticket from last summer in your glove box today, it's likely just a piece of trash now.
One thing people often forget is the Double Play option. If you spent the extra buck for Double Play, those numbers were 11, 23, 24, 54, and 56, with a Powerball of 5. It's a second chance to win with the same numbers, and people in Georgia actually win this more often than you'd think.
The Tax Hit in the Peach State
Let’s talk about the part nobody likes: taxes. If you win big in Georgia, the state is going to take its share.
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% on lottery winnings. This is on top of the federal withholding, which is usually 24% for U.S. citizens. Essentially, if you win $1 million, you aren't seeing $1 million. You're seeing closer to $700,000.
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Is it still a lot of money? Absolutely. But it’s "buy a nice house" money, not "buy a private island" money. Nuance matters when you’re planning your retirement from the couch.
Common Misconceptions About the GA Powerball
I hear people say all the time that the "machines are rigged" or that "big cities win more." Honestly, it’s just math. More people buy tickets in Atlanta because more people live in Atlanta.
Another big one? "I should play the same numbers every time." Mathematically, the balls don't have a memory. They don't know that 16 hasn't been picked in three weeks. Every drawing is a complete reset. Your "lucky" numbers have the exact same statistical probability as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Actionable Next Steps for Ticket Holders
If you think you have a winner, don't just run into the store screaming.
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- Sign the back immediately. In Georgia, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." If you lose it and haven't signed it, whoever finds it can claim the money.
- Download the GA Lottery App. You can scan your ticket directly with your phone. It’s way more reliable than squinting at a grainy photo of a TV screen.
- Check for the "Power Play." Even if you only matched three numbers, if you had the multiplier, that $7 prize could turn into $14 or $21. It adds up.
- Keep it quiet. If you actually won the jackpot, call a lawyer before you call your mom. Georgia does not allow winners to remain anonymous for prizes over $250,000, but there are ways to manage the sudden spotlight.
Double-check your tickets for that January 12th drawing. If you're empty-handed, the next chance is Wednesday night. Just remember to play for fun, not as a financial plan.