Major Jackpots Reset as New Year Begins
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Key Takeaways
- Multi-state U.S. lotteries see early 2026 rollovers, maintaining player engagement post-holiday billion-dollar wins.
- Regional operators report significant individual prizes, highlighting sustained demand in instant and fast-play games.
- European and African draws deliver multimillion-euro and rand prizes, reinforcing lotteries' role in funding public initiatives.
South African Player Claims R65 Million on New Year's Eve
One ticket holder matched all numbers in the December 31, 2025, Lotto draw to win R65,186,997, marking a substantial rollover into the new year. Operated by Ithuba National Lottery, the prize underscores strong participation during festive periods, with additional secondary winners sharing smaller tiers.
This win contributes to the operator's contributions toward social development programs, aligning with regulated lotteries' emphasis on responsible play and societal returns across Africa.
Source: Briefly.co.za / Ithuba National Lottery via X
Powerball Rolls Over into 2026 with Growing Prizes
No ticket matched all six numbers in the January 3, 2026, Powerball drawing (numbers: 18-21-40-53-60, Powerball 23), resulting in a rollover to an estimated $86 million for the January 5 draw. A Texas ticket won $2 million via Power Play for matching five numbers.
Following the record $1.817 billion Christmas Eve win in Arkansas, early-year rollovers demonstrate resilient demand in the Multi-State Lottery Association games, supporting education and public programs across participating jurisdictions.
Source: Powerball.com / USA Mega
Mega Millions Kicks Off Year with Rollover
The first Mega Millions draw of 2026 on January 2 (numbers: 6-13-34-43-52, Mega Ball 4) produced no jackpot winner, pushing the prize to $180 million for the next drawing. A Pennsylvania ticket secured a multimillion-dollar secondary prize.
The game's post-holiday momentum reflects ongoing interest in large annuity options, with proceeds benefiting state-designated causes in member lotteries.
Source: Mega Millions.com / USA Mega
New Jersey Fast Play Delivers $184,000 Progressive Win
An Ocean County player claimed 50% of the Fast Play Progressive jackpot worth $184,057 on January 1, 2026, via the Blast Off to Cash game. The New Jersey Lottery highlighted the instant-win format's appeal for quick-play enthusiasts.
Such prizes bolster retail and digital sales, contributing to the state's education and institutions funding mandate.
Source: New Jersey Lottery Official Site
Euro Millions Opens 2026 with Solid Draw
The January 2, 2026, Euro Millions draw (numbers: 8-27-42-44-46, Lucky Stars 1-10) rolled over, setting the stage for escalating pan-European prizes. Coordinated by operators across multiple countries, the game continues to drive cross-border participation.
This maintains the European lotteries' model of channeling revenues to good causes, including heritage and sports.
