Checking the nebraska pick five winning numbers has become a nightly ritual for thousands of people across the Cornhusker State. It’s not hard to see why. While Powerball and Mega Millions offer those "buy a private island" jackpots, they also come with odds that are, frankly, astronomical. Pick 5 is different. It’s local. It’s manageable.
Honestly, the appeal lies in the math. You’re picking five numbers from 1 to 40. That’s a much smaller pool than the national games. Because of that, people actually win this thing. Like, all the time. On January 17, 2026, the winning numbers were 4, 13, 17, 25, and 27. No one hit the $150,000 jackpot that night, but eleven people walked away with $500 for matching four numbers, and over five thousand people bagged a free quick pick for matching just two.
Why Nebraska Pick Five Winning Numbers Still Matter in 2026
In a world where everything feels like it's getting more expensive, a $1 lottery ticket feels like a relic. But it’s a fun one. The Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot starts at **$50,000**. It grows by at least $10,000 every single night it isn't won.
By the time you get to a Tuesday or Wednesday after a few "no winner" nights, that jackpot is often sitting pretty at $100,000 or $200,000. For most of us, that's "pay off the mortgage" or "send the kids to college" money. It’s life-changing without being "I need a bodyguard" terrifying.
The Recent Winning Streaks
If you've been tracking the numbers lately, you’ll notice some weird clusters. Look at the mid-January 2026 run:
💡 You might also like: Allen Y. Lew Place: The Man Behind the Street Name Most Tourists Miss
- Jan 17: 04, 13, 17, 25, 27
- Jan 16: 11, 17, 28, 29, 33
- Jan 15: 02, 05, 18, 23, 34
- Jan 14: 02, 03, 13, 28, 29
Did you see that? The number 17 showed up back-to-back. The number 2 appeared twice in two days. People call these "hot numbers," and while the draws are totally random, humans are basically hard-wired to look for these patterns. Some players, like Stephen Finney from Grand Island who won $120,000 in December 2025, or Sandra Walker from Omaha who grabbed $230,000 that same month, might tell you they have a "system."
Others just let the computer pick.
The Math Behind the Luck
You've probably heard someone say the odds are 1 in a million. They’re actually better than that. The odds of hitting the jackpot in Nebraska Pick 5 are exactly 1 in 658,008.
Compare that to Powerball’s 1 in 292 million. You are literally hundreds of times more likely to win the top prize in Pick 5. Even if you don't hit the big one, the odds of winning something are 1 in 9.2. Basically, if you play ten times, you’ve got a statistically decent shot at getting at least a free ticket back.
Real Talk on Prizes
The prize structure is refreshingly simple.
- Match 5: Jackpot (Starts at $50k)
- Match 4: $450 - $500 (Usually)
- Match 3: $9
- Match 2: Free Quick Pick
The Nebraska Lottery pays these out in one cash installment. No 30-year annuities here. You win $200,000, you get a check for $200,000 (minus the taxes, of course—Uncle Sam always gets his cut).
Common Misconceptions About Choosing Numbers
Most people play birthdays. I do it, you probably do it. But here’s the thing: birthdays only go up to 31. Nebraska Pick 5 goes up to 40. If you only play birthdays, you are completely ignoring numbers 32 through 40.
Statistical experts often suggest a "balanced" ticket. If you look at historical data, a mix of three odd numbers and two even numbers (or vice versa) shows up in about 66% of all draws. If you pick all even numbers, you’re betting on a scenario that only happens about 2% of the time. Sorta makes you rethink those "lucky" numbers, doesn't it?
Where the Winners Buy Their Tickets
It’s a bit of a local legend that certain stores are "lucky." In late 2025, we saw a string of winners from some specific spots.
A $270,000 winning ticket was sold at Discount City in Hastings.
A $230,000 winner came from Players Cafe in Omaha.
A $260,000 jackpot was hit at Super C #3 in Lincoln.
Is the machine at Super C luckier than the one at the gas station down the street? No. But these high-traffic stores sell more tickets, so they naturally see more winners. It’s volume, not magic.
What to Do if You Actually Win
First, breathe. Second, sign the back of that ticket immediately. In Nebraska, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it. If you drop a winning ticket on the sidewalk and haven't signed it, the person who finds it can legally claim your $150,000.
You have 180 days from the drawing date to claim your prize. If it's a big one—anything over $500—you'll need to visit a regional lottery office or the main headquarters in Lincoln.
Actionable Next Steps for Pick 5 Players
If you’re looking to get into the game or improve how you play, here’s the move:
- Check the Clock: Tickets are sold from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. CT, but the system shuts down for the draw between 9:00 p.m. and 9:03 p.m. Don't be that person sprinting into the Kwik Shop at 9:01.
- Diversify Your Range: If you're picking your own numbers, make sure at least one or two are above 31 to avoid the "birthday trap."
- Use Multi-Draw: You can buy the same numbers for up to 84 consecutive drawings. It’s great if you have a set of "forever numbers" and don't want to drive to the store every day.
- Verify Every Ticket: Don't just glance at the numbers on the news. Use the Nebraska Lottery mobile app to scan your ticket. People throw away winning "Free Quick Pick" tickets every single day because they only looked for the jackpot numbers.
The nebraska pick five winning numbers are drawn seven nights a week, so there's always another chance tomorrow. Just remember to play for fun. The odds are better than the big games, but it's still a gamble. Keep it small, keep it local, and maybe you'll be the next person from Hastings or Norfolk seeing your name on a giant cardboard check.