TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey Lottery player from Middlesex County has claimed the first of nine $1 million top prizes in the Ultimate Spectacular scratch-off game.
The winning ticket, a $30 purchase, was sold at Big Pantry Food Market on Amboy Avenue in Perth Amboy. The winner, who previously won $10,000 a few years ago, was stunned by the life-changing prize.
The player asked a friend to buy the ticket and said that any game would do. After scratching the ticket and seeing the numbers, the winner initially thought it was a mistake. Due to difficulty seeing, they asked their daughter to check the ticket on her phone, confirming the million-dollar win.
The $1 million prize is paid as an annuity, though winners have the option to take a lump sum of $595,300.
Since 1970, the New Jersey Lottery has contributed nearly $33.7 billion to the state, supporting various programs and public employee pensions.