The Minnesota Lottery announced two $1 million winners today as the Millionaire Raffle marks its 20th anniversary with a historic milestone. The record-breaking raffle achieved an unprecedented all-time fastest sellout in just 14 days, and now celebrates reaching exactly 20,000 total prize winners across the game’s two-decade history.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Two $1 million winners announced on January 1, 2026 New Year’s Day drawing
- 20,000 total prize winners distributed across all prize tiers in the raffle
- Fastest sellout ever: All one million tickets sold in just 14 days (ended November 3)
- New $20,000 prize tier added for 20th anniversary celebration with 40 winners
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The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle officially celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with unprecedented success. The raffle launched on October 21, 2025, and sold out completely by November 3, shattering the previous record of 15 days set last year.
Adam Prock, executive director of the Minnesota Lottery, praised the milestone achievement. “The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle has been an annual tradition for many Minnesotans since 2006,” Prock stated. “With this being the 20th anniversary, we wanted to give players a million reasons to celebrate.”
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Two Minnesota residents woke up on January 1, 2026, discovering their $1 million lottery tickets as part of the New Year’s Day Millionaire Raffle drawing. The winning tickets were sold in two Minnesota locations: Coon Rapids at Holiday Stationstores on Northwest Round Lake Boulevard and in International Falls at Forestland Sales on 3rd Street.
Both retail locations receive $5,000 bonuses for selling the winning tickets. The twin victories mark the latest chapter in the raffle’s impressive history of creating millionaires across the state. Since the raffle’s debut in 2006, a total of 37 Minnesotans have struck Raffle gold with million-dollar prizes.
Expanded Prize Structure Celebrates 20 Years with New Opportunities
| Prize Amount | Number of Winners |
| $1,000,000 | 2 |
| $100,000 | 5 |
| $50,000 | 5 |
| $25,000 | 5 |
| $20,000 (New Tier) | 40 |
The Minnesota Lottery introduced a new $20,000 prize tier with 40 winners to mark the raffle’s 20-year milestone. This expansion alongside existing prize levels creates exactly 20,000 total prizes ranging from $50 to $1,000,000.
The raffle’s prize structure demonstrates the commitment to offering multiple winning opportunities. Overall odds of winning any cash prize sit at 1 in 50, while the odds of winning a $1 million jackpot are 1 in 500,000. Each ticket costs $10, and players receive a unique seven-digit number from the sequence 0000001 through 1,000,000.
From Tradition to Community Impact: Inside Minnesota’s Favorite Raffle
Since its launch in 2006, the Minnesota Millionaire Raffle has become a beloved annual holiday tradition for residents across the state. The game only appears once yearly, creating anticipation and excitement each October when tickets go on sale.
Beyond the excitement of winning, each ticket supports important state initiatives. Approximately $4 from every ticket goes toward Minnesota’s environment and state programs. The raffle distributes tickets through more than 3,000 retailers statewide, making the game accessible to communities from Minneapolis to International Falls.
Winning numbers are announced each January 1 at 5:00 a.m. on both the Minnesota Lottery website and official mobile app. Winners of $50 to $500 prizes can claim directly at retailers, while larger amounts require visits to Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville for the ultimate VIP winner experience.
What Makes the 20th Anniversary Raffle Your Best Chance to Win?
The 2026 Minnesota Millionaire Raffle represents peak opportunity for players seeking life-changing prizes. With 20,000 winners guaranteed and a record-breaking one million tickets available, the expanded prize pool increases chances compared to previous years when fewer tickets circulated statewide.
The raffle’s explosive growth demonstrates public confidence in the game. Last year’s 15-day sellout seemed remarkable at the time, but this year’s 14-day sell-through proves the raffle’s rising popularity. Supply challenges emerge annually—once tickets sell out, they’re gone until next October, creating urgency for players wanting a shot at the $1 million top prize.
For anyone considering participation, the clock already started ticking for next year. This year’s record-breaking success suggests 2027 tickets may disappear even faster. The 20th anniversary celebration delivered on its promise of making it extra special, proving why the Minnesota Millionaire Raffle remains one of the state’s most anticipated gaming traditions.
Sources
- KIMT News – Minnesota Millionaire Raffle winners announced January 1, 2026
- Minnesota Lottery Official Blog – 20-year anniversary milestone and raffle history
- Minnesota Lottery – Prize structure and official game rules
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.