Ocean County Ticket Hits $1 Million in New NJ Lottery Game
A New Jersey resident has claimed a $1 million prize from a recently released scratch‑off game, the state lottery announced.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The New Jersey Lottery confirmed that a ticket from the $1,000,000 Spectacular $10 scratch‑off paid out a seven‑figure top prize. The winning ticket, bought in Ocean County, matched one of the game’s initial top prizes; the lottery said the game originally carried four $1 million top prizes when it launched on November 5, and several remain unclaimed.
The winning ticket was purchased on November 17, just days after the game became available, underscoring how quickly new instant games can produce large winners. In addition to the top-tier prizes, $1,000,000 Spectacular carries 32 prizes of $10,000 and a range of smaller prizes from $20 up to $2,000. Official prize-claim data show that a $10,000 prize from the game was also redeemed on the same day the $1 million ticket was bought.
The announcement followed another high-profile payout from the New Jersey Lottery: days earlier, the authority confirmed a separate $1 million Powerball prize was won within the state. That Powerball victory and the scratch‑off claim come amid a busy autumn for U.S. lotteries, which have seen a mix of large jackpot draws and in-house instant game winners.
Lottery officials also noted a recent top prize win in another instant game. A player in Hudson County purchased a ticket from the Emerald 5X series that captured one of that game’s top prizes of $155,000; the lottery said other top prizes in that series remain available. Retailers that sold winning tickets were identified by store name and town in the lottery’s release.
The New Jersey Lottery Executive Director expressed congratulations to the ticket holders. "We congratulate the players who have just experienced life‑changing wins and remind all players to check their tickets carefully and sign the back of any winning ticket", the director said. "Every winner's story is a reminder of the excitement these games bring, and the proceeds from ticket sales support important state services and programs."
Gambling industry analysts say the outcome highlights two continuing trends: strong consumer demand for high‑priced instant games and quick turnover of top prizes when a title resonates with players.
"Players are drawn to higher‑priced scratch‑offs because they tend to offer bigger top prizes and better overall prize pools", said Mark Ellis, a gaming analyst with more than a decade covering U.S. lotteries. "When a $10 game offers multiple million‑dollar prizes, retailers and players pay attention, and the game can move rapidly. That creates notable early‑stage wins like the one reported in Ocean County."
Related: Wayne Murray Hits Multi-Million Scratch-Off Jackpot Twice in Two Years
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How Winners Should Claim Prizes
Winners of large prizes are advised to take immediate, practical steps to protect their claim. Lottery officials recommend signing the back of the ticket, keeping the ticket in a safe place, and contacting the New Jersey Lottery to confirm claim procedures. For substantial prizes, the lottery typically arranges an in‑person claim at its headquarters and may release a winner’s name and town for publicity unless the claimant requests anonymity as permitted by state rules.
Tax treatment and reporting requirements apply to prizes of this size; winners should consult a tax advisor and review guidance from the New
This latest round of payouts adds to a busy period for gambling in the region, which has also seen significant casino jackpots in recent weeks. The New Jersey Lottery’s announcements underscore how both draw games and instant tickets can produce sudden, high‑value wins for local players.
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