Powerball Drawings Bring Excitement to New Jersey
The New Jersey Lottery continues to create excitement with its regular Powerball drawings. On January 12, 2026, the Powerball jackpot reached an impressive $141 million, with a cash option of $63.6 million. The winning numbers for that night were 5, 27, 45, 56, and 59, with the Powerball number 4. Although no one claimed the jackpot in this drawing, many players across the state still won smaller prizes. The Power Play number was 2, which means non-jackpot prizes were doubled for those who added the Power Play feature to their tickets. Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m., and tickets can be purchased both in-store and online until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw. The overall odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are about 1 in 292.2 million, making any win a remarkable achievement.
Ocean County Player Wins $500,000 in Powerball Double Play
A recent highlight for Ocean County came when a lucky player purchased a Powerball Double Play ticket at QuickChek Store #102, located at 3001 Ridgeway Road in Manchester. This ticket matched all five white balls in the Double Play drawing, earning the winner a $500,000 prize. The Double Play drawing, which is a separate event held after the main Powerball numbers are drawn, offers a steady jackpot of $10 million and a second prize of $500,000. The winning numbers for this Double Play were 10, 19, 39, 47, and 67, with a Double Play ball of 18. While the winner’s identity has not been made public, this win demonstrates that significant prizes are possible even without hitting the main jackpot. The QuickChek location has become a spot of interest for hopeful players, as it is now known for selling a major winning ticket.
Middlesex County Sees Nearly $2 Million Jersey Cash 5 Winner
In Middlesex County, another major win occurred when a single ticket matched all five numbers in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing, securing a prize of $1,997,829. The winning ticket was sold at South River Convenience Store, located at 58 Jackson St. in South River. The numbers drawn for this jackpot were 9, 12, 27, 31, and 32, with an XTRA multiplier of X3 and a Bullseye number of 31. This win ended an 11-drawing streak without a jackpot winner, and the store received a $2,000 bonus for selling the lucky ticket. The odds of winning the Jersey Cash 5 jackpot are about 1 in 1,221,759, which are much better than the odds for Powerball or Mega Millions. After this win, the Jersey Cash 5 jackpot reset to $150,000 for the next drawing, giving more players a chance at a life-changing prize.
Passaic County Player Takes Home $50,000 Powerball Prize
Not all big wins come from jackpots. In Passaic County, a player purchased a Powerball ticket at a 7-Eleven on Central Avenue and matched four white balls plus the Powerball, winning $50,000. The main Powerball numbers for that draw were 5, 19, 21, 28, and 64, with a Powerball of 14 and a Power Play multiplier of 3x. While this prize is smaller than the top jackpots, it is still a significant amount that can make a real difference in someone’s life. These types of wins show that even matching a few numbers can lead to substantial rewards.
Ocean County Couple Wins Twice in One Year
An extraordinary story from Ocean County involves a couple who managed to win two major lottery prizes in the same year. Their first win came on April 1, when they played the Ultimate Spectacular scratch-off ticket and won $1 million. Later that fall, they struck gold again with a Jackpot Millions scratch-off ticket purchased at Fischer Bay Exxon in Toms River, winning $3 million. The combined odds of winning both top prizes are estimated to be about one in two trillion, making their achievement truly remarkable. This story highlights the unpredictable nature of lottery luck and the possibility of lightning striking twice.
Nearly 900 Big Winners in New Jersey in 2025
According to recent reports, nearly 900 New Jersey lottery players won significant prizes in 2025. These wins include a range of games, from Powerball and Mega Millions to Jersey Cash 5 and scratch-off tickets. Many of these winners took home prizes between $500,000 and $2 million, which are more attainable than the massive national jackpots. The New Jersey Lottery encourages players to consider games with smaller jackpots but better odds, such as Jersey Cash 5, Pick-6 with XTRA, or Cash4Life. These games offer a better chance of winning substantial payouts while still providing the excitement of a big win.
How to Claim Your New Jersey Lottery Prize
For those lucky enough to win, claiming a 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 winning tickets by mail or in person at the New Jersey Lottery offices in Trenton. Claim forms are available at the lottery office, and a secure drop box is provided for convenience. Winners must include a government-issued ID with their claim. The process ensures that all winners receive their prizes safely and efficiently.
Tips for Playing and Winning the New Jersey Lottery
While the odds of winning a major jackpot are long, there are ways to improve your chances of winning a prize. Experts suggest playing games with better odds, such as Jersey Cash 5 or Pick-6, and buying tickets from local retailers, which have produced many winners. Adding features like Power Play or Double Play can also increase non-jackpot prizes. Remember to check your tickets after every drawing, as even small wins can add up over time. The New Jersey Lottery posts winning numbers on its official website and at participating retailers, making it easy to see if you are a winner.
Conclusion: New Jersey’s Winning Streak Continues
The New Jersey Lottery has seen a wave of recent winners, from million-dollar jackpots to substantial second and third prizes. Whether it is a Powerball Double Play win in Ocean County, a nearly $2 million Jersey Cash 5 prize in Middlesex County, or a couple’s double win in Toms River, the stories of luck and fortune continue to inspire players across the state. With nearly 900 big winners in 2025 alone, New Jersey remains a hot spot for lottery excitement. As jackpots grow and new drawings approach, the next big winner could be just around the corner.
