In a huge occasion for lottery enthusiasts across New Jersey, a ticket sold in Neptune Township has shattered records to claim the largest Mega Millions jackpot in the state’s history.
With a jaw-dropping prize of $1.128 billion, this win not only marks a significant milestone for the New Jersey Lottery but also stands as one of the most valuable jackpots ever awarded by Mega Millions in its 22-year history.
The lucky ticket holder, whose identity remains a mystery, now finds themselves the recipient of a life-changing windfall. As news of the monumental win spreads, excitement and anticipation ripple throughout the Garden State, with residents eager to discover the identity of the fortunate gambler who now holds the keys to unimaginable wealth.
The winning ticket for the March Mega Millions jackpot was sold at ShopRite Liquor, and it’s worth $537.5 million in cash. ShopRite Liquor will get a bonus of $30,000 for selling the winning ticket. The winning numbers were 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38 for the white balls, and 4 for the gold Mega Ball.
This win is the 28th Mega Millions jackpot won in New Jersey, but on the Mega Millions website, it’s listed as the 26th win. It’s the first win for New Jersey since July 24, 2020, when the jackpot was $123 million. Before this, the largest jackpot in New Jersey was $533 million in March 2018.
Overall, this $1.128 billion win ranks fifth in Mega Millions history. Here are the top four:
- $1.602 billion: August 8, 2023, in Florida
- $1.537 billion: October 23, 2018, in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion: January 13, 2023, in Maine
- $1.337 billion: July 29, 2022, in Illinois
Gretchen Corbin, who leads the Mega Millions Consortium, congratulated the New Jersey Lottery for selling the winning ticket. She also celebrated all the other prizes won during this exciting jackpot run.
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Claiming the winnings
James Carey, executive director of the NJ Lottery, expressed his congratulations to the winner, urging them to take the necessary steps to safeguard their newfound fortune. With guidance available through the New Jersey Lottery’s Winner’s Guide, the winner is encouraged to sign the back of the ticket, make copies, and ensure its safekeeping before contacting lottery officials to claim their prize.
In addition to signing the back of the winning ticket and making copies for safekeeping, there are several other crucial steps that the lucky jackpot winner should take to safeguard their newfound fortune.
First and foremost, it’s essential for the winner to remain calm and composed amidst the excitement and frenzy surrounding their win. While the temptation to share the news with friends and family may be strong, maintaining discretion is important to protecting one’s privacy and security.
After signing the ticket and making copies, the winner should store the original ticket in a secure and undisclosed location. This could include a personal safe, a safety deposit box at a trusted financial institution, or another secure location known only to the winner.
Next, the winner should carefully review the NJ Lottery’s Winner’s Guide, which provides valuable information and guidance on how to navigate the process of claiming a large lottery prize. This includes important considerations such as whether to opt for a lump-sum cash payment or annual annuity payments, as well as potential tax implications and financial planning strategies.
It’s also advisable for the winner to seek professional legal and financial advice from trusted advisors who specialize in wealth management and estate planning. An experienced attorney can help the winner understand their rights and obligations, while a financial advisor can offer personalized guidance on how to manage and invest their newfound wealth prudently.
Plus, the winner is encouraged to take precautions to protect their personal information and guard against potential scams and fraudulent schemes. This includes being wary of unsolicited contact from individuals claiming to represent the lottery or offering financial services, as well as safeguarding sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details.
By taking these necessary steps to safeguard their newfound fortune, the lucky jackpot winner can ensure that their windfall brings lasting security and prosperity for years to come.
For gambling enthusiasts of New Jersey, this historic Mega Millions win is more than just a stroke of luck—it’s a symbol of hope and possibility. As the jackpot resets and anticipation builds for the next draw, dreams of financial freedom and prosperity abound, fueling a renewed sense of optimism and excitement among lottery players statewide.
While the $1.128 billion Mega Millions jackpot winner in New Jersey is grabbing the spotlight, there are also 10 other lucky winners in the state. These winners collectively won $120,000.
Among them are two winners who matched four of the five white balls, earning $10,000 each. This amount doubled because they chose to use the Megaplier multiplier. The remaining eight winners didn’t have the multiplier and received $10,000 each.
Additionally, the New Jersey Lottery reports that a total of 190,508 lottery players won prizes ranging from $2 to $400, totaling $806,876. In New Jersey, lottery winners have the option to keep their identities private, even after winning big jackpots.
This means that their names will never be made public under the Open Public Records Act. There are several reasons why someone might choose to keep their lottery win a secret:
Privacy:
Some winners prefer to keep their newfound wealth private to avoid unwanted attention, intrusion from the media, or requests for money from friends, family, or strangers.
Safety concerns:
Winning a large sum of money can make individuals vulnerable to scams, theft, or even harassment. By remaining anonymous, winners can protect themselves and their families from potential threats.
Personal reasons:
Some winners simply prefer to maintain a low profile and avoid the spotlight. They may feel more comfortable keeping their financial windfall private and sharing the news only with close friends and family.
Financial planning:
Keeping their win private allows winners to carefully plan how they will manage their newfound wealth without outside pressure or interference.
It is important to mention that winners claiming prizes of $600 or more are required to verify their identity with lottery officials. Although this information is shared with other state agencies, it remains confidential and does not become public knowledge.
As the winner steps forward to claim their monumental prize, the entire state joins together in celebration, united by the shared thrill of the game and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. And while the identity of the lucky ticket holder may remain a mystery for now, one thing is certain: their life will never be the same again.
Final Thoughts
As for the recent Mega Millions jackpot winner in New Jersey, they have undoubtedly embarked on a journey of celebration and financial planning after securing the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history.
The staggering $1.128 billion jackpot marked the first Mega Millions win of 2024, following 10 jackpot rollovers in the previous year. In the broader scope of US lottery history, it ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot ever awarded.
