Checking the vermont powerball lottery numbers has basically become a ritual for half the state whenever that jackpot starts creeping toward the billion-dollar mark. You know the feeling. You’re at the Stewart’s or a Jolley, grabbing a coffee, and you see the sign.
The numbers. They’re just sitting there.
But honestly, most people treat the Vermont Powerball like a total mystery or a math test they’re destined to fail. It’s actually pretty straightforward once you get past the flashy lights and the "one in 292 million" odds that make your head spin.
The Latest Numbers and What They Actually Mean
If you’re looking for the most recent results, the drawing on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, turned up 6, 24, 39, 43, 51 with the Powerball 2. The Power Play multiplier was 2x.
Did anyone in Vermont win? Not the big one. But that's the thing—you don’t have to hit all six to walk away with enough for a very nice dinner at Hen of the Wood. Or even a new truck.
Vermont is a small state. We don't see jackpots won here often, but it does happen. Back in June 2022, a single ticket sold at the Middlebury Short Stop hit for $366.7 million. That was the first time Vermont ever sold a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket. It proved that the "big one" isn't just for people in Florida or California.
How the drawing works in the Green Mountain State
The Vermont Lottery is run out of Berlin—the one in Vermont, obviously, not Germany. They’re part of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which is why we share the same pool as 44 other states.
- Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: These are your nights. Drawings happen at 10:59 PM ET.
- The Cutoff: If you’re rushing to the store at 10:00 PM, you’ve already missed it. Sales for that night's draw close at 9:50 PM.
- The Cost: It’s $2 per play. If you add Power Play, it’s $3.
Vermont Powerball Lottery Numbers: The Odds vs. Reality
People love to talk about how "impossible" it is to win. And yeah, the odds of matching all five white balls plus the red Powerball are roughly 1 in 292.2 million.
To put that in perspective: you’re more likely to be struck by lightning while being eaten by a shark. Sorta.
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But the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24.9. That includes the $4 you get for just matching the Powerball. It's not "retire to a private island" money, but it pays for the ticket and a snack.
The Power Play "Trap" (Or Is It?)
You’ve probably seen the Power Play option. It’s an extra buck.
Most people skip it because they’re only hunting the jackpot. Here’s why that’s a mistake: the Power Play doesn’t affect the jackpot, but it doubles the $1 million prize to $2 million. For the smaller tiers, it can multiply your winnings by up to 10x if the jackpot is under $150 million.
If you match four white balls and the Powerball, you win $50,000. With a 10x Power Play? That’s half a million dollars. For an extra dollar, that’s a massive swing in value.
Where to Buy and How to Claim
You can't buy Powerball tickets online in Vermont yet. The Department of Liquor and Lottery has been talking about it for years, but for now, you have to go to a physical retailer.
There are about 600 of them across the state.
What happens if you actually win?
If you check your vermont powerball lottery numbers and realize you're suddenly very wealthy, don't scream. Or do, but then sign the back of that ticket immediately. In Vermont, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." That means whoever holds it, owns it.
- Under $500: Any lottery agent (the gas station where you bought it) can pay this out.
- $500 to $5,000: You can go to any M&T Bank in Vermont. They handle these mid-tier claims.
- Over $5,000: Pack your bags for Berlin. You have to go to the Lottery Headquarters at 1311 US Route 302.
One thing to keep in mind: Vermont is not an anonymous state. While some states let you hide behind a trust, Vermont law generally considers the winner's name and town to be public record.
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The Tax Man Cometh
Let’s talk about the buzzkill: taxes.
If you win big, the government is going to take a hefty slice before you even see the check. 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 a 30% haircut right off the top. And depending on your total income for the year, you might owe even more when April 15 rolls around. It’s why you always hear experts saying the first person you should call isn't your mom—it's a tax attorney.
Common Misconceptions About the Numbers
I hear this all the time: "I only play the numbers that haven't come up in a while."
This is called the Gambler's Fallacy. The plastic balls in the drawing machine don't have a memory. They don't know that "12" hasn't been picked in three weeks. Every single drawing is a completely fresh start.
Another one? "Quick Picks never win."
Actually, about 70% to 80% of winners are Quick Picks. But that’s only because 70% to 80% of players use Quick Picks. The math stays the same whether you pick your kids' birthdays or let the computer decide.
The Education Connection
It’s worth noting where this money goes. 100% of the profits from the Vermont Lottery go into the State’s Education Fund.
Since 1978, the lottery has contributed over $1 billion to Vermont schools. So, even if your vermont powerball lottery numbers don't hit, you're technically "donating" to the local elementary school. It makes the $2 loss feel a little less like a gut punch.
Actionable Steps for Vermont Players
If you’re planning on playing the next draw, here is exactly what you should do to stay smart:
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- Check the jackpot amount first. If it’s under $150 million, the 10x Power Play multiplier is in effect. This is the best time to add the Power Play option.
- Use the "Multi-Draw" feature. If you have "lucky" numbers, you can buy up to 20 consecutive draws on one ticket so you don't have to keep driving to the store.
- Download the official VT Lottery app. You can scan your tickets with your phone to see if you won instead of trying to squint at the numbers on a blurry TV screen.
- Sign the back immediately. Even if it’s a $4 winner. Just get in the habit.
- Set a limit. It sounds cliché, but the "fun" stops the second you’re spending grocery money on tickets.
The next Powerball drawing is Saturday night. The numbers will be posted shortly after 11:00 PM. Good luck—and if you hit the jackpot in Middlebury again, remember who gave you the tips.