The Largest Lottery Wins in New Jersey History: From Millions to Billions

Written by Jackpot Staff

July 21, 2025

Introduction

What would you do with a billion dollars? For one lucky New Jersey resident, this dream became reality in 2024 when they claimed the state's largest-ever lottery prize. Since the New Jersey Lottery's inception in 1970, countless lives have been transformed by massive jackpots, creating compelling stories of ordinary people experiencing extraordinary fortune. From gas station attendants to office pools, these winners represent the ultimate lottery fantasy - the life-changing ticket that turns everyday citizens into multi-millionaires overnight.

This comprehensive guide explores the most spectacular lottery wins in New Jersey history, revealing the stories behind the numbers, the winners' journeys, and what happened after the celebrations ended. Whether you're a regular player dreaming of your own jackpot or simply fascinated by these modern rags-to-riches tales, these record-breaking New Jersey lottery wins will captivate your imagination.

New Jersey's Top 5 Largest Lottery Jackpots

1. The $1.13 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot (2024)

In a historic moment for New Jersey lottery players, a single ticket sold at a ShopRite Liquor store in Neptune Township matched all six numbers (07, 11, 22, 29, 38, and Mega Ball 04) on March 26, 2024. This win shattered all previous records in the state, becoming the first billion-dollar lottery prize in New Jersey's history and the fifth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever awarded in the United States.

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous under New Jersey's 2020 privacy law, nearly missed their chance at fortune. They claimed the prize in December 2024, just days before the ticket would have expired. Opting for the lump sum payment, they received $537.5 million before taxes - likely walking away with approximately $300 million after federal and state tax withholdings.

Winner's Choice: Lump sum payment of $537.5 million (pre-tax) Retailer Bonus: $30,000, which the ShopRite Liquor store donated to a local food bank Winning Numbers: 07, 11, 22, 29, 38, Mega Ball 04.

"This historic jackpot represents not just a win for one lucky New Jerseyan, but highlights the significant contributions the lottery makes to our state's education and pension systems," noted New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey in a press statement following the win.

2. The $533 Million Mega Millions Jackpot (2018)

Richard Wahl's story embodies the classic lottery dream. Having moved to New Jersey just a year earlier, the Vernon Township resident purchased a quick-pick ticket at a Lukoil gas station in Riverdale during his routine stop for a Diet Coke. That spontaneous purchase resulted in a $533 million Mega Millions jackpot - the second-largest lottery prize in New Jersey history.

Unlike the 2024 winner, Wahl chose to publicly identify himself, appearing at a press conference where he shared his disbelief: "I checked the numbers 15 times. I just kept saying, 'This can't be right, this can't be right.'"

Wahl selected the cash option of $324 million, which after taxes netted him approximately $175 million. A production manager at a food services company before his win, Wahl immediately announced plans to retire, restore a 1963 Corvette, and establish charitable foundations.

Winner's Choice: Cash option of $324 million (approximately $175 million after taxes) Retailer Bonus: $30,000 Winning Numbers: 11, 28, 31, 46, 59, and Mega Ball 1.

"We're not the type to run out and spend all the money," Wahl told reporters. "We're a humble family, and we plan to give back to our community through charitable work."

3. The $448.4 Million Powerball Jackpot (2013)

The August 2013 Powerball jackpot of $448.4 million created not one but two heartwarming New Jersey success stories when the prize was split three ways (with the third winner from Minnesota).

The first winning ticket belonged to "Ocean's 16," a group of 16 coworkers from the Ocean County Vehicle Maintenance Department. Many of these winners had been personally affected by Superstorm Sandy just months earlier, making their windfall particularly meaningful. Each member received approximately $3.8 million after taxes.

The second New Jersey ticket was held by Mario Scarnici of South Brunswick, a retired mechanic who purchased his winning ticket at a local Stop & Shop. Both New Jersey winners chose the lump sum option, each receiving about $86 million before taxes.

Winners' Choice: Cash option (approximately $86 million per winning ticket before taxes) Retailer Bonuses: $30,000 each Winning Numbers: 5, 25, 30, 58, 59, and Powerball 32.

Susan Nickel, one of the Ocean's 16 members whose home was damaged during Sandy, told reporters through tears: "This couldn't have happened to a better group of people. We're family, and now we can all recover together."

4. The $429.6 Million Powerball Jackpot (2016)

When Pearlie Mae Smith of Trenton checked her Powerball ticket in May 2016, she discovered she had won an astounding $429.6 million jackpot. What makes this win particularly special is that Smith shared the prize with her seven adult children, forming what became known as "The Smith Family Lottery Pool."

The family, with members from both Trenton and Newark, chose the lump sum option of $284 million. What distinguished the Smiths was their immediate commitment to philanthropy – they pledged to tithe 10% of their winnings to their church and established the Smith Family Foundation to support education, neighborhood development, and Christian initiatives in their communities.

Pearlie Mae claimed divine intervention played a role in their win, saying the numbers came to her in a dream. The winning ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven in Trenton.

Winners' Choice: Cash option of $284 million (approximately $204 million after taxes) Retailer Bonus: $30,000 Winning Numbers: 5, 25, 26, 44, 66, and Powerball 9.

"It was divine intervention. I prayed and asked the Lord to bless me with these numbers," Smith told lottery officials. Her daughter Valerie Arthur added, "We're a very close-knit family. When one has a problem, we all have a problem."

5. The $390 Million Mega Millions Jackpot (2007)

Before the era of billion-dollar jackpots, Elaine and Harold Messner of Upper Township made headlines by winning half of a then-record $390 million Mega Millions prize in March 2007. They split the jackpot with a ticket holder from Georgia, with each receiving $195 million.

The Messners, who owned a heating oil business, opted for the lump sum payment of $116.5 million, which after taxes amounted to approximately $87.4 million. Their winning ticket was purchased at a convenience store in Cape May County.

Unlike more recent winners, the Messners didn't immediately come forward. They hired financial advisors, lawyers, and accountants before claiming their prize, demonstrating the careful planning that financial experts recommend for jackpot winners.

Winners' Choice: Cash option of $116.5 million (approximately $87.4 million after taxes) Retailer Bonus: $10,000 Winning Numbers: 16, 22, 29, 39, 42, and Mega Ball 20.

Notable Trends Among New Jersey's Biggest Winners

The Shift Toward Anonymity

A significant trend among New Jersey lottery winners is the increasing preference for anonymity. In 2020, New Jersey joined states like Delaware, Kansas, and South Carolina in passing legislation allowing lottery winners to remain anonymous. This law came in response to concerns about winners' safety and privacy following numerous cases nationwide where lottery winners became targets for scams, theft, and even violence.

The 2024 Mega Millions winner took full advantage of this provision, never publicly revealing their identity. This contrasts with earlier winners like Richard Wahl and the Smith family, who held press conferences and shared their stories openly.

Group Wins and Family Pools

Another notable pattern in New Jersey's lottery history is the prevalence of group wins. From workplace pools like "Ocean's 16" to family groups like the Smith Family Lottery Pool, collective purchasing has resulted in some of the state's largest wins.

These group victories often create particularly compelling human interest stories, as they distribute wealth among multiple households and frequently involve people who have worked together for years. The "Ocean's 16" win was especially poignant as it came in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, providing financial relief to public employees who had been helping with recovery efforts.

Economic Impact on New Jersey

Beyond the winners themselves, these massive jackpots generate significant economic benefits for New Jersey. The state lottery contributes approximately $1 billion annually to education and pension funds, making it a crucial revenue source.

In fiscal year 2023, the New Jersey Lottery reported:

• $3.68 billion in total sales
• $1.04 billion contributed to the state pension system
• $30+ million in retailer commissions

When jackpots grow to record levels, ticket sales surge dramatically. During the run-up to the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot in 2024, daily lottery sales in New Jersey increased by over 300% compared to average days, according to state lottery officials.

What Happens After Winning?

Tax Implications for New Jersey Winners

New Jersey lottery winners face significant tax obligations that substantially reduce their take-home amount. For major jackpots, winners must navigate:

• Federal taxes: An immediate 24% federal withholding, with additional taxes potentially due at filing time to reach the top 37% federal rate for high incomes
• New Jersey state tax: A 10.75% state tax rate for income over $5 million
• Local taxes: Some municipalities may impose additional taxes

For example, the 2024 Mega Millions winner's $537.5 million lump sum was likely reduced to approximately $300 million after all taxes - still an enormous sum, but significantly less than the advertised jackpot.

Common Choices and Mistakes

Financial advisors who specialize in sudden wealth consistently recommend several steps for lottery winners:

• Secure the ticket in a safe deposit box or other secure location
• Assemble a team of financial professionals before claiming the prize
• Consider anonymity options to protect privacy
• Take time before making major life changes or purchases
• Create a long-term financial plan that preserves wealth

Unfortunately, lottery history is filled with cautionary tales. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, about 70% of people who receive sudden windfalls lose that money within a few years. New Jersey winners who have publicly shared their stories generally emphasize careful planning and moderation.

Unclaimed Prizes and Near Misses

Not all potential New Jersey lottery millionaires have happy endings. Each year, millions of dollars in lottery prizes go unclaimed in the state. Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim their prizes before the money reverts to the state.

The 2024 Mega Millions winner nearly joined this unfortunate group, claiming their $1.13 billion prize just days before the one-year deadline. Had they missed this window, it would have become the largest unclaimed lottery prize in U.S. history.

Other significant unclaimed New Jersey lottery prizes include:

• A $1 million Powerball prize from a ticket sold in Clifton in 2018
• A $1 million Mega Millions prize from a ticket sold in Edison in 2020
• A $2 million Powerball prize from a ticket sold in Woodbridge in 2022

Where New Jersey's Biggest Winners Bought Their Tickets

Interestingly, New Jersey's biggest lottery wins have occurred across diverse locations throughout the state:

• Neptune Township: ShopRite Liquor (2024 Mega Millions, $1.13 billion)
• Riverdale: Lukoil gas station (2018 Mega Millions, $533 million)
• Little Egg Harbor: Stop & Shop (2013 Powerball, $448.4 million - Ocean's 16)
• South Brunswick: Stop & Shop (2013 Powerball, $448.4 million - Scarnici)
• Trenton: 7-Eleven (2016 Powerball, $429.6 million)
• Cape May County: Convenience store (2007 Mega Millions, $390 million)

This geographic diversity suggests no particular "lucky" region within the state, with winners emerging from urban centers, suburban communities, and shore towns alike.

What New Jersey's Biggest Wins Tell Us

The stories of New Jersey's largest lottery winners reveal much about human nature, chance, and the American dream. From the anonymous billionaire of 2024 to the hurricane-affected maintenance workers of Ocean's 16, these winners represent the lottery's ultimate promise: that anyone, regardless of background, might experience a life-transforming stroke of luck.

Yet these stories also highlight the importance of preparation, privacy, and prudent financial management. The most successful winners appear to be those who approached their windfall with caution and perspective, often continuing to live relatively normal lives while using their wealth to secure their futures and help others.

As the New Jersey Lottery continues its mission of funding education and pensions while creating millionaires, these record-breaking jackpots will undoubtedly continue to capture the public imagination and inspire millions to try their luck in pursuit of their own life-changing win.

Ready to try your luck at becoming New Jersey's next lottery millionaire? Check your local lottery retailer for tickets to upcoming Mega Millions and Powerball drawings, where jackpots regularly climb into the hundreds of millions. Remember to play responsibly, and who knows? The next record-breaking New Jersey lottery story might be yours.