News writer, Interviewer
A lucky New Jersey resident has stepped forward to claim the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot, marking a historic moment in the state's lottery history.
The winning ticket, purchased at a ShopRite in Neptune Township, Monmouth County, on March 26, 2024, matched all six numbers: 07, 11, 22, 29, 38, and Gold Mega Ball 04, with a multiplier of 02.
Path to claiming the prize
The winner will receive $537.5 million in cash value before state and federal taxes. Taking advantage of New Jersey's 2020 privacy law, the winner has chosen to remain anonymous - a common choice among major jackpot winners. While anonymity is permitted, lottery officials still require identity verification for prizes exceeding $600.
This jackpot stands as the fifth-largest won in Mega Millions' nearly 30-year history. The game's other record-breaking moments include:
- $1.602 billion won in Florida (August 2023)
- $1.537 billion claimed in South Carolina (2018)
- $1.348 billion awarded in Maine (January 2023)
- $1.337 billion won in Illinois (2022)
Multiple winners across the state
The jackpot wasn't the only prize claimed in New Jersey. The Garden State benefited significantly from this drawing by generating $77 million in total sales, and the Neptune Township ShopRite received a $30,000 bonus commission for the sale.
Several other winning tickets were also sold:
$20,000 winners:
- Krauszer's Food Store in Belleville, Essex County
- Princeton Avenue Deli & Dairy in Brick, Ocean County
$10,000 winners were spread across the state:
- Galloway in Atlantic County
- Millville in Cumberland County
- Union City in Hudson County
- Yardville in Mercer County
- East Brunswick in Middlesex County
- Freehold in Monmouth County
- Toms River in Ocean County
- Somerville in Somerset County
Additionally, 190,508 New Jersey players won smaller prizes totaling $806,876, ranging from $2 to $400.
Looking ahead
The Mega Millions excitement continues to build. The next drawing offers an estimated $970 million prize, potentially becoming the seventh-largest jackpot awarded by Mega Millions if won. The game, which operates across 47 U.S. states and jurisdictions, has consistently delivered life-changing moments to players.
Impact on the local community
The winning ticket sale at the Neptune Township ShopRite has brought attention to the local community. The store's bonus commission represents a significant boost for the local business, while the substantial tax revenue from the jackpot will contribute to various state programs and initiatives.
The anonymity provision in New Jersey's lottery law, enacted in 2020, has proven valuable for winners who wish to maintain their privacy while claiming substantial prizes. This protection allows winners to avoid unwanted attention while still fulfilling their obligations to lottery officials.
This historic win joins the ranks of other remarkable Mega Millions success stories, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the game and its potential to create instant millionaires across the country.
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