Winner of New Jersey’s $1.13 billion jackpot finally claims prize

Tue Dec 24 10:40:00 UTC 2024: **New Jersey Lottery Winner Claims $1.128 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot**

**Neptune, NJ** – Nine months after a winning Mega Millions ticket was sold, a New Jersey resident has come forward to claim the $1.128 billion jackpot, the fifth-largest in the game’s history. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous under a 2020 state law, opted for a lump-sum cash payout of $537.5 million before taxes. The winning ticket was purchased at a ShopRite supermarket in Neptune on March 26th. The store will receive a $30,000 bonus. Lottery officials noted that it’s not unusual for winners to take time before claiming their prize. The drawing generated $77 million in sales for the state. Meanwhile, the Mega Millions jackpot for the Christmas Eve drawing has climbed to $970 million.