Sevens heaven: Lottery players strike gold with record payout

The New Jersey Lottery's Pick-4 game delivered a night of unprecedented winnings on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Players hit the jackpot with a rare alignment of numbers: 7, 7, 7, 7.

Record-breaking numbers

The evening draw produced massive payouts. 569 players won $2,500 each. The total winnings reached $1,431,405 - the largest single-draw amount in game history.

The midday drawing added another $297,159 to the pot. Combined, Pick-4 players won over $1.7 million that day.

This extraordinary payout stems from a significant rule change on November 14, 2022. Before the change, the top prizes would have been limited to about $650. The new rules set fixed prize amounts, creating more winning opportunities.

The Pick-4 game has proven to be a popular choice for lottery players, with more than 600,000 winners collecting over $114 million in prizes over the past 365 days.

How to play Pick-4

Start by choosing four numbers between 0-9 on the playslip. If you prefer, use the Quick Pick (QP) option for randomly generated numbers. Make sure to mark your numbers clearly in the designated boxes.

Next, review the five different Pick-4 play styles available. Each option has different odds and potential payouts, so take a moment to understand what works best for you. When deciding on your wager, you can bet between $0.50 and $5. Keep in mind that adding the FIREBALL option will double your play cost.

Select your preferred drawing time by choosing midday, evening, or both. The Multi-Draw option allows you to play the same numbers for up to 7 consecutive drawings, extending your chances of winning. If you want to increase your winning possibilities, add the FIREBALL option to replace one winning number.

For an extra bit of excitement, try the Instant Match feature. For just $1 more per play, you'll get a chance to win up to $500 instantly. When you're ready, verify all your selections, purchase your ticket from a lottery retailer, and be sure to keep your ticket safe.

Drawings happen twice daily, around 12:59 PM and 10:58 PM ET.  They occur seven days a week, except on Christmas Day.

About the New Jersey Lottery

Established in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery has contributed over $33.6 billion to state financial obligations. The World Lottery Association has certified it as an industry leader in responsible gaming practices. With a Level 4 Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate, the lottery has a commitment to ethical and responsible operations.