Overview of Recent New Jersey Lottery Winners
New Jersey has seen a surge in lottery excitement over the past few weeks, with dozens of residents winning significant prizes in games like Powerball and Mega Millions. From massive jackpots to unclaimed tickets nearing expiration, the state’s lottery scene is buzzing with activity. In the last week alone, thirty-two New Jersey residents won prizes of $10,000 or more, highlighting the ongoing popularity and impact of lottery games across the state. This article provides a detailed summary of the most recent winners, the locations where lucky tickets were sold, and important reminders for players to check their tickets before deadlines pass.
Powerball Winners: Christmas Eve Brings Big Wins
The Powerball drawing on Christmas Eve was historic, with a single player in Arkansas winning a $1.817 billion jackpot, the second-highest in U.S. history. While the grand prize did not land in New Jersey, the state still celebrated a wave of secondary winners. Eleven New Jersey players matched four white balls plus the Powerball, each earning a $50,000 prize. One especially lucky player matched four white balls, the Powerball, and the multiplier, boosting their prize to $100,000. Additionally, two more players, including one from Camden County, won $50,000 each in the Double Play drawing, a special feature for those who opt in.
Where the Winning Tickets Were Sold
The winning streak in New Jersey was spread across several counties and retailers. One $50,000 ticket was sold at a Wawa store on the 300 block of S. White Horse Pike in Audubon. Other winning tickets came from locations such as 7-Eleven stores in Edison and Little Ferry, as well as a wine outlet in Point Pleasant Beach. These locations have become local hotspots for lottery hopefuls, as news of big wins often draws more players to try their luck. Retailers that sell winning tickets also receive bonuses, adding to the excitement for both store owners and customers.
Expiring Powerball Tickets: Time Is Running Out
While many winners have already claimed their prizes, some tickets remain unclaimed and are close to expiring. Two Powerball tickets worth $50,000 each are about to expire in New Jersey. One ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven on Lafayette Road in Edison, Middlesex County, and will expire on January 13, 2026. The other was purchased at the Wine Outlet on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean County, and will expire on February 1, 2026. Both tickets matched four numbers plus the Powerball, qualifying as third-prize winners. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prizes, so anyone who bought tickets at these locations should check their numbers immediately to avoid missing out on a life-changing sum.
Recent Local Winners and Their Stories
In addition to the major Powerball wins, several other New Jersey residents have recently claimed significant prizes. In Bergen County, a player won $50,000 with a ticket purchased at a 7-Eleven on Route 46 in Little Ferry following the December 22 drawing. Over the past two weeks, six players from Bergen County have each won $50,000 in various Powerball drawings. Other notable wins include a $10,000 Jackpot Millions ticket bought at a 7-Eleven in Waldwick and a $10,000 Neon 9’s ticket purchased at Flavor Mart and More in Carlstadt. Earlier this month, a North Jersey player won a $90 million Mega Millions jackpot, showing that big wins are possible in both national and state lottery games.
Winning Numbers and How to Claim Prizes
For those who want to check their tickets, the winning numbers for the January 13, 2025, Powerball drawing were 4, 6, 16, 39, and 66, with the Powerball number 9 and a Power Play of 2x. The February 1, 2025, drawing had winning numbers 23, 29, 32, 49, and 61, with the Powerball number 8 and a Power Play of 2x. Two other $50,000 tickets from the February 1 drawing have already been claimed—one at a 7-Eleven in Cresskill, Bergen County, and another at a Wawa in Pilesgrove, Salem County. Winners are encouraged to visit the official New Jersey Lottery website for instructions on how to claim their prizes. The process is straightforward, but it is important to act quickly, especially for tickets nearing their expiration date.
Tips for Lottery Players: Don’t Miss Out
With so many prizes being won and some tickets still unclaimed, it is crucial for players to keep track of their lottery tickets. Many people store tickets in wallets, purses, or even junk drawers and forget about them. As seen in a recent story, a Mercer County resident found a $1 million Mega Millions ticket while cleaning out a junk drawer at home. This highlights the importance of checking old tickets before they expire. The New Jersey Lottery allows winners one year from the drawing date to claim their prize, so there is still time for some, but not for long.
Conclusion: A State Full of Winners
New Jersey continues to be a lucky state for lottery players, with dozens of recent winners and millions of dollars in prizes awarded. From Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots to smaller but still significant wins, the excitement is felt in every corner of the state. As deadlines approach for some unclaimed tickets, the message is clear: check your tickets, claim your prizes, and you could be the next big winner. For more information and updates on recent winners, visit the official New Jersey Lottery website and stay tuned for the next drawing.
