For lottery players across the United States, September 12, 2025, brought a fresh wave of anticipation and excitement as multiple state lotteries revealed their latest draw results. From Mississippi to New Mexico and Oregon, hopeful participants checked tickets, scanned numbers, and dreamed of life-changing wins. But beyond the suspense of the draws themselves, a closer look at the day’s results, the process of claiming prizes, and the evolving ways people play paints a vivid picture of America’s ongoing love affair with the lottery.
According to the Mississippi Lottery, the Match 5 draw on September 12 yielded the winning numbers 15, 16, 24, 27, and 32. For players who took their chances on Cash 3, the midday numbers were 8-7-5 with a Fireball of 5, while the evening numbers came up 3-6-9 with a Fireball of 9. Cash 4 players saw midday results of 2-9-6-5 (Fireball 5) and evening results of 1-2-0-6 (Fireball 9). For those who opted for the fast-paced Cash Pop, the midday number was 06 and the evening number was 02. As reported by the Mississippi editor, these draws are held daily, with Cash 3 and Cash 4 taking place at 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Match 5 at 9:30 p.m., and Cash Pop at both midday and evening times.
Meanwhile, the New Mexico Lottery delivered its own set of winning numbers. The Mega Millions draw was a highlight, with numbers 17, 18, 21, 42, and 64, and the Mega Ball 07. For the Pick 3 game, the day draw produced 2-6-5, while the evening draw was 1-9-0. Pick 4 players saw evening numbers of 5-1-4-0 and day numbers of 3-5-4-8. In the state’s Roadrunner Cash game, the winning numbers were 05, 21, 30, 32, and 36. The Las Cruces Sun-News editor noted that these games continue to draw participation from across the state, with the promise of substantial prizes for lucky winners.
Oregon’s lottery scene was equally active. The Oregon Lottery reported that its Mega Millions draw matched the New Mexico numbers—17, 18, 21, 42, 64, Mega Ball 07—underscoring the multi-state nature of this popular game. The Pick 4 game, held four times daily, produced the following winning numbers: at 1 p.m., 0-1-1-6; at 4 p.m., 3-0-8-8; at 7 p.m., 0-6-2-7; and at 10 p.m., 8-0-6-0.
For those wondering about the logistics of playing and winning, each state has its own set of rules and procedures. In Mississippi, prizes of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized retailer. For prizes between $600 and $99,999, winners must either visit the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters in Flowood or submit their claim by mail, providing a completed Winner Claim form, proper identification, and the original ticket. Prizes of $100,000 or more require an in-person visit to headquarters, along with a government-issued photo ID and Social Security card. Winners of these larger amounts may also opt for an electronic funds transfer directly into their bank accounts. Importantly, all prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date, a detail that can make all the difference for those who might tuck away a ticket and forget about it.
Oregon’s approach is similarly straightforward, but with a modern twist. Lottery tickets can be purchased not just at traditional outlets like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores, but also at some airport terminals. In a nod to changing consumer habits, tickets can also be ordered online through the Jackpocket app, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This app allows users to pick their game and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and even collect winnings—all from their phone or home computer. According to the Oregon editor, Jackpocket operates in a growing list of states and territories, making lottery participation more accessible than ever. Of course, eligibility restrictions apply, and the app is not affiliated with state lotteries themselves.
New Mexico’s procedures, while not detailed in the day’s results coverage, align with national standards: tickets are available at authorized retailers, and winners must present valid identification and the original ticket to claim prizes. The state’s embrace of both classic and newer games, like Mega Millions and Roadrunner Cash, ensures there’s something for every type of player—from those who prefer daily draws to those who chase the occasional massive jackpot.
What’s behind the enduring popularity of state lotteries? For many, it’s the thrill of possibility—a small investment with the hope, however slim, of a life-changing payout. Others enjoy the ritual of picking numbers, whether they’re family birthdays, lucky combinations, or simply a quick pick. And as technology evolves, so too do the ways people engage with these games. The rise of digital couriers like Jackpocket reflects a broader shift toward convenience and accessibility, much as online shopping and banking have transformed other aspects of daily life.
But with opportunity comes responsibility. The Oregon Lottery’s results page includes a clear reminder: “GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.” It’s a message echoed by lotteries nationwide, as states strive to balance the excitement of the games with the need for responsible play. Age restrictions—18+ in most states, 19+ in Nebraska, and 21+ in Arizona—are enforced, and eligibility is limited to those physically present where the games are offered.
For those who find themselves holding a winning ticket, the moment can be surreal. The process of claiming a prize, whether it’s a modest sum or a six-figure windfall, is designed to ensure both security and accuracy. In Mississippi, for example, winners must provide identification and complete paperwork, with larger prizes requiring a trip to headquarters. “Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account,” according to the Mississippi Lottery’s official guidance. And don’t forget—there’s a 180-day window to claim your prize, after which the opportunity vanishes.
As the dust settles from the September 12 draws, thousands of players across Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oregon are busy checking their numbers, scanning tickets, and perhaps daring to dream. For most, the day will end as it began—with a bit of hope and a few dollars spent. But for a lucky few, it could mark the start of something entirely new.
Lottery fever shows no sign of waning, and as technology, regulation, and consumer habits continue to evolve, so too will the ways Americans play—and win. For now, one thing is certain: the numbers are in, and the dream endures.