Ocean County Resident Wins $12.3 Million Pick-6 Jackpot
A New Jersey Lottery player from Ocean County recently made headlines by winning a massive $12.3 million Pick-6 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the ShopRite #619, located at 501 Route 9 in Waretown. This win happened late Saturday night, just hours before a major winter snowstorm hit the state. The lucky winner matched all six numbers drawn: 07, 09, 10, 17, 25, and 30. Instead of taking the annuity, the winner chose the cash payout option, receiving a one-time payment of $5,602,036.
The ShopRite store that sold the winning ticket will also benefit, earning a $10,000 bonus for selling the top prize ticket. According to James Carey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery, this weekend will be unforgettable for the winner. He also expressed hope that this win marks the start of many more life-changing jackpots in 2026. This $12.3 million prize is the largest Pick-6 jackpot won in New Jersey so far in 2026 and is the fourth prize of at least $1 million awarded this year. After this win, the Pick-6 jackpot reset to $2 million for the next drawing.
Other Major Wins: Powerball and Double Play Prizes
In addition to the Pick-6 jackpot, several other New Jersey Lottery players have recently claimed significant prizes. On Monday, January 19, 2026, a player in Essex County matched all five white balls but missed the Powerball number in the Powerball drawing. This ticket, sold at the Hari Mini Store on Thomas Boulevard in East Orange, was worth a remarkable $1 million. The winning numbers for that draw were 05, 28, 34, 37, and 55, with the Powerball number 17 and a multiplier of 03.
On the same day, a separate Double Play drawing awarded $250,000 to a lucky winner who purchased their ticket at The Hartford Market in Delran, New Jersey. Double Play is an optional feature on Powerball tickets that gives players another chance to win. The Double Play winning numbers were 02, 09, 25, 26, and 63. These wins show that New Jersey Lottery players are having a particularly fortunate period across different counties and games.
Fast Play Progressive Jackpot Hits in Union County
Another notable win occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, when a player in Union County won $402,549 playing the New Jersey Lottery’s Fast Play Progressive game. The winning ticket was purchased at Krauszer’s Food Store on Springfield Avenue in Springfield. The Fast Play Progressive game pays out percentages of the pot based on ticket price, but this winner received the full progressive pot amount. This win highlights the variety of games and opportunities available to New Jersey Lottery players.
Scratch-Off Ticket Delivers $600,000 Grand Prize in Middlesex County
Scratch-off games also continue to create big winners in New Jersey. Over the weekend, a player won a $600,000 grand prize by playing the Crossword Extreme scratch-off game. The winning ticket was sold at Milltown Convenience Deli & Grill, located at 152 South Main Street in Milltown, Middlesex County. Lottery officials announced the win on Monday. The Crossword Extreme game launched earlier this month, with tickets priced at $30 each. There are still two additional $600,000 prizes remaining in the game, along with nine prizes of $25,000 still available to be won.
Impact of the New Jersey Lottery on Local Communities
Since its start in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery has contributed $34.7 billion to support important programs within the state. These programs include education, veterans’ services, and other community initiatives. The recent string of big wins not only changes the lives of the winners but also benefits the local businesses that sell the winning tickets. For example, ShopRite in Waretown and Krauszer’s Food Store in Springfield both received bonuses for selling winning tickets. These bonuses help support local businesses and encourage more people to participate in the lottery.
Looking Ahead: More Chances to Win
With the Pick-6 jackpot resetting to $2 million and other major games like Mega Millions and Powerball offering jackpots of $285 million and $30 million respectively, there are still many opportunities for New Jersey residents to become the next big winner. The Double Play feature on Powerball tickets and the new Crossword Extreme scratch-off game provide even more ways to win significant prizes. As more people try their luck, the excitement around the New Jersey Lottery continues to grow.
Conclusion: A Fortunate Start to 2026 for New Jersey Lottery Players
The start of 2026 has been especially lucky for New Jersey Lottery players. From the $12.3 million Pick-6 jackpot in Ocean County to the $1 million Powerball win in Essex County, and from the $402,549 Fast Play Progressive prize in Union County to the $600,000 scratch-off win in Middlesex County, winners are being made across the state. These stories show that life-changing prizes are possible for anyone who plays. As jackpots reset and new games launch, the excitement and hope for the next big win remain high throughout New Jersey.
