Big Wins for Scratch-Off Players in New Jersey
In the past week, several New Jersey residents have experienced life-changing moments thanks to the state lottery. According to New Jersey Lottery officials, three players won Scratch-Off prizes of at least $1 million each, while a fourth player took home a $600,000 top prize. These wins highlight the excitement and unpredictability of the lottery, as well as the wide range of games and prizes available to players across the state.
One of the most notable recent wins occurred in Union County. A lucky player purchased a $30 “$5,000,000 Fortune” ticket at 7-Eleven #38719, located at 1171 Liberty Avenue in Hillside. This ticket turned out to be the first of three top prizes for this game, which is the largest prize currently offered in New Jersey Lottery’s Scratch-Offs. The winner initially did not realize the magnitude of their win until they scanned the ticket and saw the word “jackpot.” This moment of surprise quickly turned into celebration, as the player confirmed the win at home and began to plan for the future.
Monmouth and Bergen County Players Join the Millionaire Club
The excitement did not stop in Union County. In Monmouth County, another player struck it rich on June 8 by winning the $2 million top prize in the “$2 Millionaire Maker” game. The winning $25 ticket was purchased at Lakeside Food Store, 41 Main Street, Matawan. This was the second of three top prizes for this particular game, showing that there are still more opportunities for players to win big.
Meanwhile, in Bergen County, a player claimed the $1 million top prize in the “$1,000,000 Spectacular” game. The winning $10 ticket was bought at Shoprite Liquor, 220 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park. This was the third and final top prize for this game, making it a truly special moment for the winner and the community. These wins demonstrate that New Jersey Lottery Scratch-Offs offer a variety of games and prize levels, giving players many chances to become instant millionaires.
Essex County Driver’s Unplanned Stop Leads to $600,000 Win
Sometimes, luck finds people in the most unexpected ways. In Essex County, a driver was forced to make an unplanned stop at a 7-Eleven on Valley Street in South Orange due to blocked traffic caused by a stalled car. During this stop, the player decided to purchase a $30 Colossal Crossword Scratch-Off ticket. By matching 10 words, the player secured the game’s top prize of $600,000. This win, which occurred on June 3, was the first top-tier jackpot claimed from a Colossal Crossword ticket bought at this location. The winner, whose name has not been released, has a history of smaller wins, including prizes of $5,000, $1,000, and $700 in recent months. This story shows how a simple change in routine can lead to a life-changing event.
Nutley Couple Wins $1.5 Million on a $3 Scratch-Off
Another remarkable story comes from Nutley in Essex County, where a couple won $1.5 million from a $3 “Win for Life!” scratch-off ticket. The couple purchased the ticket at Lucky 7 Deli, 397 Centre Street, while on their way to dinner. They usually bought tickets from a different store, but one spouse insisted on stopping at Lucky 7 Deli instead. At first, the winner thought the ticket would only reveal a free $3 ticket, but they were shocked to discover the top prize. The couple chose the annuity option, which will provide annual payments totaling at least $1.5 million over 25 years. This win will significantly ease their financial stress and improve their lives, showing how even a small purchase can have a huge impact.
Recent Mega Millions and Powerball Results
While scratch-off games have produced several big winners, the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continue to attract attention across New Jersey. On June 6, 2025, the Mega Millions drawing offered an estimated jackpot of $223 million, with winning numbers 16, 40, 54, 56, and 57, and the Mega Ball number 3. Although no one won the jackpot in this drawing, players still had the chance to win significant non-jackpot prizes, which are now automatically multiplied by two, three, four, five, or ten times for every play. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, and tickets can be purchased both in-store and online.
Similarly, the Powerball drawing on June 4, 2025, featured an estimated jackpot of $30 million. The winning numbers were 5, 17, 23, 35, and 45, with the Powerball number 24 and the Power Play number 10. No one claimed the jackpot, but players can still win other prizes by matching fewer numbers or using the Power Play feature to multiply their winnings. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and tickets are available for purchase until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
How to Claim Lottery Prizes in New Jersey
For those lucky enough to win prizes over $599.99, the New Jersey Lottery requires winners to submit their winning ticket by mail or in person at the Lottery office in the Lawrence Park Complex, Trenton. Claim forms and a government-issued ID are necessary to process the prize. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a secure drop box is also available for convenience. Prizes up to $599.99 can be redeemed at any New Jersey Lottery retailer, making it easy for winners to claim their money quickly.
New Jersey Lottery’s Impact on the Community
Since its founding in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery has contributed nearly $33.7 billion to state programs and public pensions. These funds support important services and help improve the quality of life for residents across the state. The recent wave of big winners not only brings joy to individuals and families but also highlights the positive impact the lottery has on the broader community.
Conclusion: A State Full of Winners
The recent stories of New Jersey Lottery winners show that luck can strike at any time and in any place. From million-dollar scratch-off prizes to life-changing annuities, these wins are a reminder of the excitement and hope that the lottery brings to players. Whether you are buying a ticket on your way to dinner, making an unplanned stop, or simply trying your luck with a new game, the next big winner could be you. As the jackpots continue to grow and more prizes are claimed, New Jersey remains a state full of opportunity and dreams waiting to come true.
