TRENTON, NJ — A Gloucester County resident’s $678,674 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot win from the December 13 drawing came with an unforgettable moment that had nothing to do with the numbers on the ticket.
After learning of the jackpot, the player decided to double-check the numbers two days later at Township Liquors in Turnersville, where the ticket was purchased. While waiting in line, they encountered an off-duty New Jersey Lottery official—an improbable meeting that provided instant confirmation and helpful guidance on claiming the life-changing prize.
The winning numbers—03, 12, 18, 19, and 25—did more than secure a jackpot. They brought stability and hope to a family facing financial uncertainty. With economic concerns mounting and the possibility of selling their home on the horizon, the win has eased those worries.
The player described the experience as overwhelming but deeply meaningful, saying that the chance encounter with the lottery official made everything feel real. “What were the odds?” the winner asked, reflecting on both the prize and the coincidental meeting.
In 2024, Jersey Cash 5 jackpots totaled more than $41 million, with 74 winners taking home an average of $557,374 each. For this winner, the timing of the $678,674 jackpot couldn’t have been better, bringing relief during a challenging holiday season.
