Two New Millionaires Crowned in Minnesota’s Annual Raffle
The start of the new year brought life-changing news for two lucky players in the Minnesota Millionaire Raffle. Both winners claimed the top prize of $1 million each, marking a memorable milestone for the 20th anniversary of this popular lottery event. The first winning ticket was sold at a Holiday Station store located at 13051 NW Round Lake Blvd in Coon Rapids. The second ticket was purchased at Forestland Sales on 1111 Third St. in International Falls. These two locations will each receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning tickets, adding to the excitement for both the winners and the businesses involved.
The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle has become an annual tradition since its launch in 2006. This year, tickets went on sale on October 21, 2025, and sold out in record time, showing the strong interest in the event. According to Adam Prock, executive director of the Minnesota Lottery, there were a total of 20,000 winners in this year’s raffle. The event included not only the two $1 million prizes but also five prizes of $100,000, five of $50,000, five of $25,000, and forty prizes of $20,000. Winners must claim their prizes within one year of the drawing date, and any prize over $50,000 must be claimed in person at the Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville.
Powerball Draw Delivers Million-Dollar Win in Mississippi
While no one claimed the Powerball jackpot in the December 31, 2025, drawing, one ticket holder in Mississippi still walked away with a significant prize. The winning numbers for the main draw were 11, 18, 21, 24, 38 with a Powerball of 26, and the Power Play multiplier was 10x. Although no ticket matched all six numbers to win the estimated $45 million jackpot, a single ticket matched all five white balls, earning the holder a $1 million prize.
The Powerball Double Play drawing also took place on December 31, with numbers 24, 35, 42, 46, 68 and a Powerball of 14. No one matched all six numbers in Double Play, but one ticket did match five white balls plus the Powerball, resulting in a $500,000 win. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, with the jackpot rising to $64 million and a cash option of $29.5 million. Powerball drawings occur three times a week, giving players frequent chances to win life-changing amounts.
To win any prize in Powerball, players must match at least one number, with the Powerball alone awarding $4. Adding the Power Play option increases non-jackpot prizes, while the Double Play feature gives players a second chance to win up to $10 million. The excitement around these draws continues to grow, especially as jackpots climb and more players dream of joining the ranks of lottery winners.
Set For Life Draw Offers £10,000 a Month for 30 Years
Across the Atlantic, the National Lottery Set For Life draw for Thursday, January 1, 2026, offered a unique top prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years. The winning numbers for this draw were 07, 08, 41, 43, 45 with the Life Ball number 10. Players are encouraged to check their tickets, as this prize can truly transform a winner’s life, providing steady income for decades.
The Set For Life game is known for its life-changing impact. Past winners have used their prizes to fulfill bucket list dreams, start businesses, or secure their families’ futures. The odds of winning the top prize are about one in fourteen million, but as lottery officials often remind players, you have to be in it to win it. The National Lottery has a long history, with its first draw held on November 19, 1994. Over the years, it has produced many notable winners, including Gareth Bull, who won £41 million in 2020 and built a luxury manor house, and Sue Davies, who celebrated the end of pandemic shielding with a £500,000 win.
Stories of Past Lottery Winners Inspire New Players
The stories of past lottery winners continue to inspire new players to try their luck. For example, Sandra Devine accidentally won £300,000 after buying her usual scratchcard, only to discover she had purchased a ticket with a much bigger prize. In January last year, a £66 million jackpot was shared by two ticket holders, showing that big wins can happen to anyone.
These stories highlight the unpredictable and exciting nature of lottery games. Whether it’s a sudden windfall or a steady stream of income, lottery prizes can change lives in an instant. Winners often use their money to support their families, travel, or give back to their communities. The thrill of the draw and the hope of a better future keep millions of people playing each week.
How to Claim Lottery Prizes and Stay Safe
For those who find themselves holding a winning ticket, lottery officials offer important advice. First, secure your ticket and sign the back to prove ownership. For large prizes, such as those over $50,000 in Minnesota, winners must claim their prize in person at the lottery headquarters. In the case of Powerball and Mega Millions, players should check official websites like powerball.com for full prize charts and instructions on how to claim winnings.
It is also important to be aware of deadlines. Most lotteries require winners to claim their prizes within a set period, often one year from the drawing date. Failing to claim a prize in time can result in losing out on life-changing money. Winners are also encouraged to seek financial advice to manage their new wealth responsibly and avoid common pitfalls.
Upcoming Jackpots and Continued Excitement
The excitement around lottery games shows no signs of slowing down. The next Powerball jackpot is expected to reach $64 million, while the Mega Millions jackpot for Friday, January 2, is estimated at $157 million with a cash option of $72 million. As jackpots grow, more players are drawn to the possibility of winning big.
The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle continues to be a highlight for local players, especially as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. With thousands of winners and millions in prizes, the lottery remains a source of hope and excitement for people across the state and beyond.
Conclusion: Dreams Realized and New Hopes Sparked
As the new year begins, lottery winners from Minnesota to Mississippi and the United Kingdom are celebrating life-changing wins. From million-dollar jackpots to monthly payments that last for decades, these prizes offer winners the chance to realize their dreams and secure their futures. The stories of recent and past winners remind us all that, while the odds may be long, someone always wins—and it could be you next time. As jackpots continue to rise and new draws approach, the excitement and hope that come with playing the lottery remain as strong as ever.
