Mercer County Couple Discovers $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket
A Mercer County couple recently made headlines after finding a forgotten lottery ticket in their junk drawer. The couple, who chose to remain anonymous, had purchased three Mega Millions tickets on New Year’s Eve at the Speedymart Food Store in West Trenton. Like many people, they tucked the tickets away and forgot about them. Months later, during a routine spring cleaning, they stumbled upon the tickets in a drawer that often goes overlooked. This simple act of cleaning led to a discovery that would change their lives forever.
When one of the winners decided to scan the tickets at a local store, the first two tickets were not winners. However, the third ticket registered as a winner. At first, the couple thought they might have won a smaller prize, such as $1,000 or $10,000. To their shock, they learned that the ticket was worth a staggering $1 million. After returning home, they checked the numbers against those posted on the New Jersey Lottery website and confirmed their incredible win. This story highlights how an ordinary day can turn into a life-changing event with just a bit of luck and a forgotten ticket.
Claiming the Prize and Future Plans
In New Jersey, lottery winners have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. The couple’s ticket was still valid and not close to expiring, which made their discovery even more fortunate. After confirming their win, they followed the official process to claim their prize. For prizes over $599.99, winners in New Jersey can submit their tickets by mail or in person at the New Jersey Lottery offices in Trenton. The couple completed the necessary paperwork and claimed their $1 million prize in recent days.
When asked about their plans for the winnings, the couple shared that their main priority is to help their children and ensure they are free from debt. This responsible approach shows how lottery winnings can provide not just excitement, but also long-term security for families. The couple’s story has inspired many people to check their own forgotten tickets and to dream about what they would do if they won a big prize.
Recent Powerball Drawings and Winners in New Jersey
While the Mega Millions win in Mercer County has captured attention, there have also been recent Powerball drawings in New Jersey. On May 26, 2025, the Powerball drawing offered a jackpot of $177 million, with a cash option of $77.9 million. The winning numbers for that draw were 13, 47, 52, 64, and 67, with the Powerball number 25. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. Although no one won the jackpot in this drawing, many players across the state won smaller prizes by matching some of the numbers.
Just a few days earlier, on May 21, 2025, another Powerball drawing took place with a jackpot of $146 million. The winning numbers were 9, 29, 31, 34, and 43, with the Powerball number 2. Again, there was no jackpot winner, but New Jersey players continued to win smaller prizes. These regular drawings keep excitement high and encourage people to try their luck, knowing that even if they do not win the top prize, there are still many opportunities to win.
How to Claim Lottery Prizes in New Jersey
For those who are lucky enough to win, claiming a lottery prize in New Jersey is a straightforward process. Prizes up to $599.99 can be redeemed at any New Jersey Lottery retailer. For prizes over $599.99, winners must submit their tickets by mail or in person at the lottery offices. To claim by mail, winners need to send a completed claim form, the winning ticket, and a copy of a government-issued ID to the New Jersey Lottery’s address in Trenton. In-person claims can be made by dropping off the required documents at the lottery office’s secure drop box during business hours.
The New Jersey Lottery office is located at the Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winners are encouraged to check the official New Jersey Lottery website for the latest information on claiming prizes and for updates on winning numbers.
Odds of Winning and Responsible Play
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million, making it a rare event. However, there are many smaller prizes available, and the excitement of playing keeps people coming back. The Mega Millions and Powerball games both offer multiple ways to win, and players can increase their non-jackpot prizes by adding features like the Power Play multiplier for an extra dollar per play.
The story of the Mercer County couple is a reminder that anyone can win, but it is important to play responsibly. Lottery officials encourage players to set a budget and to view the lottery as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to make money. For those who do win, the New Jersey Lottery provides resources and guidance on how to claim prizes and manage newfound wealth.
Conclusion: Check Your Tickets and Dream Big
The recent stories of New Jersey lottery winners show that life-changing moments can happen when you least expect them. Whether it is a forgotten ticket in a junk drawer or a regular purchase for a big drawing, every ticket has the potential to bring joy and financial security. The Mercer County couple’s $1 million win is a powerful example of how luck, timing, and a little bit of hope can come together in surprising ways. As Powerball and Mega Millions drawings continue, New Jersey residents are reminded to check their tickets, claim their prizes, and dream big about what the future might hold.
