News writer
The New Jersey Lottery held its Million Dollar Replay grand prize drawing on March 15 at the Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino, and Marina, where more than $1.5 million in prizes were handed out to lucky players in the contest.
Million Dollar Replay — how does it work?
For the Million Dollar Replay, the New Jersey Lottery allows VIP Club members to enter their non-winning scratch-off tickets into a drawing for a chance at winning up to $1 million in a yearly grand prize drawing. It is free to join the VIP Club, and members are given exclusive benefits and second chance opportunities, like the Million Dollar Replay.
To be eligible for the Million Dollar Replay, VIP Club members need to collect $10 worth of eligible, non-winning scratch-off tickets for each entry. Members can either manually enter their tickets on the website or scan their entry on the mobile app.
During the year, the New Jersey Lottery holds four quarterfinalist drawings. There will be 100 winners selected in each of those four drawings, and they win $250 and one entry into the grand prize drawing.
The grand prize drawing is held once a year, and 15 winners are selected to receive the following prizes: one winner of $1 million, two winners of $100,000, three winners of $50,000, four winners of $25,000, and five winners of $10,000.
The grand prize drawing
During the grand prize drawing, the New Jersey Lottery announced they handed out the 15 prizes, along with five $1,000 door prizes, five scratch-off packs worth $300 each, and five gift baskets. The people in attendance also got to enjoy the fan-favorite Big Spin Wheel and photo booth with a ton of opportunities to win prizes.
In a statement, James Carey, New Jersey Lottery Executive Director, said, "Once again, New Jersey Lottery players who were quarterfinalists in the Million Dollar Replay contest came to Atlantic City for fun, entertainment, and their chance to become a millionaire. For the 13th consecutive year, we were happy to see our players enjoy the ultimate do-over with their opportunity to win $1,000,000!"
Million Dollar Replay big winner
The winner of that $1 million prize was Brian Heck of Gloucester County. He told the New Jersey Lottery that he was excited and shocked when he heard the presenter announce the name of his county and then the name of his town. He had a feeling his name was going to be called, and it definitely was.
Despite having a feeling that his name was going to be called, nothing could have prepared him for actually winning $1 million. Brian was at a loss for words as the crowd cheered him on. When he could gather his thoughts, Brian said he plans to buy a house with the prize money.
The other Million Dollar Replay winners
In total, there were 15 prizes handed out during the Million Dollar Replay event. We saw 14 other lottery players receive prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 during the grand prize drawing. Those other lucky winners were:
- $100,000 winner - David Herman of Hudson County
- $100,000 winner - Omar Gonzalez Leal of Hudson County
- $50,000 winner - Jacqueline Zygadlo of Essex County
- $50,000 winner - Linda Holcombe of Ocean County
- $50,000 winner - Annais Angulo of Hudson County
- $25,000 winner - Gerry Benaquista of Union County
- $25,000 winner - Chris Lalicato of Somerset County
- $25,000 winner - Linda Visconte of Ocean County
- $25,000 winner - Dustin Hofilena of Essex County
- $10,000 winner - Alison O'Brien of Morris County
- $10,000 winner - Corinne Picard of Salem County
- $10,000 winner - Gary Philipsheck of Middlesex County
- $10,000 winner - John Ferrara of Ocean County
- $10,000 winner - Stephanie Dasilva of Middlesex County
Enjoy playing the New Jersey Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
