Essex County player pockets final Crossword Xtreme prize
NEWARK, NJ – A lucky Newark resident just struck life-changing money after scratching their way to a $600,000 top prize in the New Jersey Lottery’s Crossword Xtreme game—cashing in on the final top prize the game had to offer before being replaced.
The winning ticket, priced at $30, was sold at Ralph’s Liquors on Elizabeth Avenue and marked the third and last $600,000 prize in the Crossword Xtreme (#01926) scratch-off series released in late July. The ticket was validated over the weekend, according to lottery officials.
The Crossword Xtreme game has now been retired, and a new version of the game—#01968—launched this week with three fresh top prizes of $600,000 up for grabs.
This win adds to the New Jersey Lottery’s track record of generating substantial payouts while funneling billions into public programs. Since its founding in 1970, the lottery has contributed nearly $34.7 billion to the state. Under legislation signed in 2017, a 30-year funding agreement directs lottery proceeds into New Jersey’s public employee pension system.
The identity of the $600,000 winner has not been disclosed, but lottery winners in New Jersey may opt for anonymity under state law.
The store that sold the winning ticket, Ralph’s Liquors, will also receive a bonus commission for selling a top prize-winning ticket. Exact figures were not released.
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Key Points
- Newark resident won final $600,000 prize in Crossword Xtreme scratch-off game
- The winning $30 ticket was sold at Ralph’s Liquors on Elizabeth Avenue
- A new version of the game launched this week with three new top prizes