News writer, Interviewer
Have you ever dreamed about winning the lottery? An Ocean County player turned that dream into reality Wednesday night, matching all five Jersey Cash 5 numbers to claim a $1,039,075 jackpot.
The winner's story reads like something from a movie script.
"I had a dream during the night that I hit," the player told New Jersey Lottery officials Tuesday when claiming the prize. "I woke up around 3:30 a.m. I went to the computer to check my numbers, and I saw I won."
The winning moment
This marks the 48th Jersey Cash 5 jackpot won in 2025. It's the eighth to exceed $1 million this year.
The winning numbers were 08, 17, 26, 38, and 43. The XTRA was 02, and Bullseye was 38.
Robin's Convenience Store at 256 Atlantic City Blvd. in Beachwood sold the winning ticket. The store will receive a $2,000 bonus for the sale.
No sleep for the newly rich
Did the winner go back to sleep after discovering their fortune? Not likely.
The realization of winning over $1 million tends to keep people awake. After sunrise, the player double-checked the numbers. Then came the phone call to share the news with family.
The family member's response? "They said they woke up in the middle of the night, too!"
What's next for the winner?
The prize money offers a comfortable cushion. The winner plans to tackle home repairs and pay some bills with their newfound wealth.
Beyond the jackpot, 49 other players had reason to celebrate. They matched four out of five balls and the Bullseye to win $500 each. Ten of those players also hit the XTRA for an additional $500.
How to play Jersey Cash 5
Never played Jersey Cash 5? The game is simple. Pick five numbers from 1 to 45. Match all five drawn numbers to win the jackpot.
Tickets cost $2. Add XTRA for another $1 to multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2, 3, 4, or 5. The Bullseye option is now included in the ticket price and gives you another chance to win by matching one of your five numbers to the Bullseye number drawn.
Drawings happen every night at 10:57 p.m. ET.
Jersey Cash 5 stays hot
The Jersey Cash 5 jackpot has reset to $150,000 for tonight's drawing. This game has proven popular with New Jersey players in 2025, averaging more than one jackpot winner per week.
Recent wins include a Bergen County player who claimed $762,724 in August. Before that, a Sussex County player won $1,148,993 after the jackpot rolled for nine days.
What drives players to keep trying? Perhaps it's the possibility that dreams really can come true. Sometimes at 3:30 in the morning.
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