By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Lottery is still waiting for the winner of the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot from the March 26, 2024, drawing to come forward and claim their prize.
The winning ticket, sold at ShopRite Liquor on Route 66 in Neptune Township, is the only one that matched all six numbers: 07, 11, 22, 29, 38, and the Gold Mega Ball number 04.
The cash value of the ticket is an estimated $537.5 million.
Winners of large jackpots often take time to claim their prizes, but with six months already passed, Lottery officials are urging all players to double-check their tickets.
Lottery officials said the deadline to claim the prize is March 26, 2025. If the winner does not come forward by then, the ticket will expire, and the money will be returned to the participating states.
New Jersey Lottery officials advise the winner to contact them as soon as possible to begin the claims process. They also recommend that the winner seek legal and financial advice before claiming the prize.
Under New Jersey law, lottery winners have the option to remain anonymous indefinitely, a measure that allows them to keep their identities private.
However, winners must still disclose their identity to Lottery officials and comply with tax and legal requirements, including potential obligations such as unpaid child support or back taxes.
With a year to go before the ticket expires, the anticipation remains high as the state waits to see if the lucky winner will step forward to claim one of the largest prizes in Mega Millions history.