TRENTON, NJ — A Mercer County couple uncovered a life-changing surprise after finding a forgotten Mega Millions ticket tucked away in a drawer for nearly five months — and it turned out to be a $1 million winner.
The couple had purchased several tickets on New Year’s Eve from the Speedymart Food Store in West Trenton but never checked them. It wasn’t until a recent day in May that one of them decided to scan the stack.
After a couple of non-winners, one ticket displayed the word “winner.” They returned home and compared the numbers online — and to their disbelief, they had matched all five white balls, qualifying for the $1 million second-tier prize.
New Jersey Lottery winners have up to one year to claim prizes, so the ticket was still valid. The couple plans to use the money to support their children and help eliminate any financial burdens.
This win comes as Mega Millions announces game updates, including improved odds, higher starting jackpots, and prize multipliers ranging up to 10X. The new format also guarantees a minimum $10 payout for winning tickets, doubling the cost to play.