New Jersey Resident Wins $22 Million Pick-6 Jackpot
A New Jersey lottery player is celebrating a life-changing win after claiming the $22 million Pick-6 jackpot in Saturday night’s drawing. The lucky winner matched all six numbers—6, 7, 13, 15, 36, and 45—ending a streak of 63 drawings without a jackpot winner. The winning ticket was purchased online through the Jackpocket app, but officials have not yet disclosed the physical location of the ticket sale. This win marks the fourth time the Pick-6 jackpot has been claimed in 2025, with the previous jackpot of $5.9 million won in May at a gas station in Essex County.
The Pick-6 lottery is one of the most popular games in New Jersey, drawing players with its large jackpots and simple rules. Each ticket costs $2, and drawings are held three times a week—on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The jackpot had grown steadily over several months, attracting more players as the prize climbed higher. The last time the jackpot was won before this was in May, and earlier in January, a player took home a record $32 million.
The Jackpocket app has made it easier for players to participate in the lottery without visiting a physical retailer. This digital convenience is believed to have contributed to the growing number of online ticket sales. The identity of the latest winner has not been released, and it is not yet known whether the winner will choose a lump sum payment or an annuity. The New Jersey Lottery encourages all winners to consult with financial advisors before claiming large prizes.
With the $22 million jackpot now claimed, the Pick-6 prize will reset to an estimated $2 million for the next drawing scheduled for Monday. The excitement around the game is expected to continue, as many players hope to follow in the footsteps of the latest winner. The Double Play game, which offers a top prize of $250,000, had no winners in the same Saturday night drawing. The numbers drawn for Double Play were 23, 30, 32, 34, 41, and 46.
Kerala’s Samrudhi SM 26 Lottery Awards ₹1 Crore First Prize
In India, the Kerala State Lottery Department announced the results of the Samrudhi SM 26 lottery on October 26, 2025. The draw took place at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram at 3 PM. The first prize of ₹1 crore was awarded to ticket number MT 660690, making the ticket holder an instant millionaire. However, the prize is subject to a 30% tax deduction, as per Indian lottery regulations.
The Samrudhi SM 26 lottery is one of the many weekly draws organized by the Kerala State Lottery Department, which is known for its transparent and well-regulated system. The department publishes detailed lists of winning ticket numbers for each prize category, ensuring that all participants can verify their results. The second prize of ₹25 lakh went to ticket number MZ 166779, while the third prize of ₹5 lakh was awarded to ticket number MX 508054.
In addition to the top three prizes, the lottery offers several other prize categories. The fourth prize winners receive ₹5,000 each, and the fifth prize winners get ₹2,000 each. The sixth prize is ₹1,000, the seventh prize is ₹500, and the eighth and ninth prizes are ₹200 and ₹100, respectively. The department provides a comprehensive list of winning ticket numbers for each category, allowing players to check if they have won.
Winners are required to verify their ticket numbers against the official Kerala Government Gazette publication before claiming their prizes. This step is crucial to prevent fraud and ensure that only legitimate winners receive their money. Prize claims must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the draw. Winners of the first and second prizes must surrender their tickets in person or via insured registered post to the Director of State Lotteries. Alternatively, they can submit claims through nationalized, scheduled, state, or district cooperative banks, along with valid identification such as an Aadhaar or PAN card.
The Kerala lottery system is unique in India, as it is run by the state government and is designed to raise funds for public welfare programs. The transparency and reliability of the system have made it popular among residents, and the regular publication of results ensures public trust. The Samrudhi SM 26 draw attracted thousands of participants, all hoping to change their fortunes overnight.
Winners’ Stories and Community Impact
While the identities of the latest New Jersey and Kerala winners have not been made public, past lottery winners often share stories of how their lives changed after winning. Some use their winnings to pay off debts, buy homes, or invest in businesses. Others donate a portion of their prize to charity or support local causes. The sudden influx of wealth can be overwhelming, and lottery officials in both regions advise winners to seek professional financial guidance.
In New Jersey, large lottery wins often generate excitement in local communities. Retailers who sell winning tickets sometimes receive bonuses, and the news can boost ticket sales for future drawings. The Pick-6 game, in particular, has a loyal following, and each jackpot win is widely covered in the media. The use of online platforms like the Jackpocket app is changing the way people play, making it easier for more residents to participate.
In Kerala, the lottery is a major source of hope for many families. The state’s lottery program funds social welfare initiatives, including health care, education, and housing for the underprivileged. Winners often become local celebrities, and their stories inspire others to try their luck. The Kerala State Lottery Department takes steps to ensure that the process is fair and that winners receive their prizes promptly.
How to Claim Lottery Prizes and Stay Safe
Both New Jersey and Kerala have strict procedures for claiming lottery prizes. In New Jersey, winners must sign the back of their ticket and contact the New Jersey Lottery to begin the claim process. For large prizes, winners may need to visit lottery headquarters and provide identification. The lottery recommends that winners keep their tickets in a safe place and avoid sharing news of their win until they have secured their prize.
In Kerala, the process is similar but includes additional steps for higher prize amounts. Winners must present their tickets and valid identification, and claims for the largest prizes must be made directly to the Director of State Lotteries. The department warns players to be cautious of scams and to only trust official communications. All prize claims must be made within the specified time frame, or the winnings may be forfeited.
Looking Ahead: Next Drawings and Growing Jackpots
With the Pick-6 jackpot in New Jersey resetting to $2 million, anticipation is already building for the next drawing. The game’s regular schedule and large prizes keep players engaged, and each new winner adds to the excitement. In Kerala, the next lottery draw will offer new opportunities for residents to win life-changing amounts. The state’s lottery program continues to attract participants from all walks of life, drawn by the promise of a better future.
As lottery fever continues in both regions, officials remind players to play responsibly and to view the lottery as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed path to wealth. For the lucky winners of yesterday’s drawings, however, the dream of a sudden windfall has become a reality. Their stories serve as a reminder that, sometimes, a single ticket can change everything.
