It was the first time in Mega Millions history that New Jersey won. A ticket from Neptune Township won one of the game’s highest payouts in 22 years. One fortunate individual won all six numbers on March 26. The New Jersey Lottery won its 28th jackpot. At $1.128 billion, it was New Jersey’s largest prize and Mega Millions’ seventh-largest.
The NJ Lottery executive director, James Carey, said, “Congratulations to the winner of this life-changing jackpot.” To ensure they received their present, he instructed the winner to sign the back of the ticket, make duplicates, and save them immediately. He also advised them to check the NJ Lottery’s website for the Winner’s Guide for winning instructions.
March Mega Millions Win Marks Fifth Largest in History
ShopRite Liquor in Neptune Township sold the winning ticket. The value is $537.5 million. The firm will receive $30,000 for selling the winning ticket with 7, 11, 22, 29, and 38 and gold Mega Ball 4. Mega Millions.com only lists 26 wins, but the New Jersey Lottery says this is the 28th Mega Millions big win. On July 24, 2020, the state made $123 million. First victory in that time. The previous New Jersey large prize was $533 million in March 2018.
Fifth-largest Mega Millions prize ever: $1.128 billion:
- $1.602 billion: August 8, 2023, in Florida
- $1.537 billion: October 23, 2018, in South Carolina
- $1.348 billion: January 13, 2023, in Maine
- $1.337 billion: July 29, 2022, in Illinois
- $1.128 billion: March 26, 2024, in New Jersey
Numerous Mega Millions Winners Across New Jersey
Although the $1.128 billion jackpot receives all the attention, 10 New Jersey tickets earned $120,000. Two winners won $10,000 apiece after getting four of the five white balls in a row due to the Megaplier. Eight non-bonus tickets earned $10,000 apiece. The New Jersey Lottery reported 190,508 winners of $806,876. Rewards ranged from $2-$400.
Option for Anonymity for New Jersey Winners
While winning such a large amount would ordinarily get attention, New Jersey allows lottery winners to remain anonymous indefinitely. They remain anonymous under the Open Public Records Act. Lottery authorities want name evidence for $600 or more wins. This information is shared with other state agencies, but not made public. With the fifth-largest Mega Millions payout in history, the jackpot winner will rejoice and plan their money. The first 2024 Mega Millions winner was identified. No winner was found in 10 drawings last year. The eighth-largest US lottery game ever.