TRENTON, NJ — A dedicated New Jersey Scratch-off player is celebrating a life-changing $1 million win after purchasing a $20 Diamond Spectacular ticket this summer during a visit to a Wawa on the Jersey Shore.
The winner, who recently collected their prize from the New Jersey Lottery office, recalled being “on a mission” that day, saying something urged them to get up, grab their shoes, and buy the ticket that caught their eye. The gamble paid off with the game’s top prize.
Initially mistaking the win for a smaller prize, the player described being in complete shock when they realized they had struck it big. “Tears were in my eyes,” the player said, recalling how even the store clerk asked if medical assistance was needed.
The winner took several months to prepare before claiming the prize, which will be used to secure a small house near family and the beach for a more relaxed lifestyle. Despite the win, they plan to continue working and playing the lottery.
This $1 million win is one of over 40 prizes of at least $1 million awarded to New Jersey Lottery players so far this year, with one more Diamond Spectacular top prize still waiting to be claimed.