Birthday numbers, a forgotten play slip, years of persistence and a future home purchase highlight the stories behind New Jersey’s latest wave of Powerball millionaires
TRENTON, NJ — A set of lottery numbers born from a vivid dream spent six months collecting dust on a dresser before unexpectedly turning into a $1 million Powerball prize, becoming one of several unusual stories emerging from a drawing that created 18 millionaires across New Jersey.
More than a month after the April 29 Powerball drawing, the New Jersey Lottery is highlighting the personal stories behind several winners whose lives changed after matching all five white balls.
While jackpot winners in Kansas and Indiana split a $143.4 million grand prize, New Jersey quietly became home to one of the largest concentrations of second-tier Powerball winners in the nation.
The drawing produced 18 winning tickets in New Jersey that matched the first five numbers. Four tickets won $2 million prizes with the Power Play option, while 14 others claimed $1 million prizes.
Among the most unusual stories is that of a player who said a dream provided a clear set of winning numbers.
According to the New Jersey Lottery, the player purchased a ticket using those numbers the day after the dream but did not win. Frustrated, the player tossed the play slip onto a dresser and forgot about it.
Months later, while moving items around the room, the slip resurfaced.
The player decided to use the same numbers one more time. That decision resulted in a $1 million Powerball prize.
Another winner credited a birthday tradition for their winning ticket.
The player selected numbers connected to a birthday and later matched all five white balls to secure a $1 million prize. The winner told lottery officials the money will be used to pay off a home and help support family members.
A separate winner spent years defending a favorite set of numbers despite repeated suggestions from a spouse to try something different.
The player continued using the same combination and always added the Power Play option. The strategy paid off with a $2 million prize that the winner said will help fund an earlier retirement than expected.
For another winner, the prize represented something much more personal than a financial windfall.
The player told lottery officials that owning a home had long seemed out of reach because of financial realities. After claiming a $1 million prize, the search for a future home is now underway.
The stories have become a memorable chapter in what was already one of the state’s most notable lottery drawings.
According to the New Jersey Lottery, 89 second-tier winners were recorded nationwide in the April 29 drawing, with New Jersey accounting for 18 of those winning tickets.
Lottery officials continue encouraging players to check tickets from the drawing, noting that winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, and drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 11 p.m.
For additional information about Powerball and other games, players can visit NJLottery.com.
Media inquiries regarding the drawing can be directed to the New Jersey Lottery Public Information Office at PublicInfo@lottery.nj.gov or by calling (609) 599-5875.
Key Points
- A New Jersey Powerball winner turned a six-month-old dream into a $1 million prize
- Another player won $2 million after continuing to play the same numbers for years
- The April 29 Powerball drawing produced 18 second-tier millionaires across New Jersey