Who Holds the Ticket? The Hunt for New Jersey’s $1.13 Billion Winner
In March, a New Jersey resident won an astonishing $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot, yet state lottery officials report that the prize remains unclaimed.
This brings up the disturbing possibility that the NJ winner may not even realize they've struck it rich. On the other hand, the winner might be deliberately delaying their claim to assemble a team of lawyers and financial advisors to manage their sudden fortune.
They could also be overwhelmed by the life-changing nature of the prize and need time to process the news. Or maybe the ticket was mistakenly used as a coaster for their morning coffee!
Mind-Blowing Odds
The lucky New Jerseyan defied astronomical odds of 1 in 302,575,350 to snag the ninth-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. For context, you’re about as likely to be struck by lightning (odds of 1 in 1.5 million). If you bought 200 Mega Millions tickets, your chances of winning would be akin to your chances of becoming a human lightning rod. Fair odds, right?
Claiming the Prize
The mystery winner still has eight months left to claim their prize before the 12-month deadline expires. If the prize goes unclaimed, the jackpot will be divided among the 45 states that contributed to the prize pool. The winning ticket was purchased on March 26 at Shoprite Liquors in Neptune Township, N.J. Does that sound familiar?
Upon claiming the prize, the winner can take home a cool $537.5 million in one go or choose 29 annual payments that grow by about 5% each year, all before Uncle Sam and state tax collectors take their cut.
Anonymity and Publicity
If the winner is concerned about publicity, New Jersey law allows them to remain anonymous. A law passed in 2020 means winners are no longer required to appear in front of cameras holding oversized checks. Many other state lotteries require jackpot winners to participate in publicity efforts, exposing them to scammers, freeloaders, and even more sinister individuals, but not in New Jersey.
Advice from a Former Expert
For any hesitant jackpot winner, here’s some advice from Jason Kurland, once known as America’s leading “lottery lawyer.” Kurland represented several major jackpot winners, including the anonymous South Carolina winner of the $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot in 2018.
In 2020, Kurland said the best advice for jackpot winners was to “keep your mouth shut and call a lawyer.”
"Don’t broadcast it, and don’t tell too many people you won. Once your name is out there, everyone will come calling—not only distant relatives but charities, some of which might be scams.” - Jason Kurland
Although Kurland is now serving time in federal prison for defrauding lottery winners out of $107 million, his advice was sound at the time, underscoring the importance of caution—even with your lawyer.
New Jersey's Most Unforgettable Casino Wins
New Jersey has witnessed some of the most memorable and lucrative casino wins in the United States. One of the most remarkable wins occurred in 2013 when an anonymous gambler from North Jersey hit the $3.5 million jackpot at the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa. This win, one of the largest in the casino's history, was achieved on a progressive slot machine, which pools bets from multiple machines to create substantial jackpots.
Always Gamble Responsibly
Take a look at our guidance on Responsible Gambling and playing safe.
Another notable win occurred in 2015, when Don Johnson, a professional gambler known for his blackjack skills, managed to win approximately $15 million from three different Atlantic City casinos: Tropicana, Borgata, and Caesars. Johnson's success wasn't purely based on luck; he negotiated favorable rules and terms with the casinos, including reduced house edges and loss rebates, which significantly increased his odds of winning. These wins highlight both the allure and the potential for significant financial success that Atlantic City offers to gamblers.
