Clock ticking for $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot winner to come forward, NJ Lottery says
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- A Mega Millions ticket worth more than a billion dollars was sold six months ago in New Jersey, but so far no one has claimed the jackpot.
The person had one year from the March 26 drawing to cash in their ticket, but, as the New Jersey Lottery reminded the community on Thursday, that ticket holder now has just six months.
If that person doesn't come forward by March 26, 2025, they're out of luck.
The ticket was sold at ShopRite Liquor at 2200 Route 66 in Neptune Twp., in Monmouth County.
The winning numbers for the drawing were: 07, 11, 22, 29 and 38. The Gold Mega Ball number was 04. The Multiplier number was 02.
People at the Neptune ShopRite told Eyewitness News that they find it hard to believe the money is still sitting there.
"That's a shame... well it wasn't me because I didn't buy a ticket," one woman said.
NJ Lottery officials say it's not unusual for winners of large jackpots to take their time to file a claim, but they are now urging the winner to contact them as soon as possible to begin the claim process.
"It is unusual that a player has not collected a prize of this size, and hasn't even contacted us," said Executive Director of New Jersey Lottery James Carey. "So, we just want to put the word out there that a prize has not been claimed, we have not heard from the player."
By law in New Jersey, you can remain anonymous, but you do have to let lottery officials know.
"We always tell people that have won a Powerball or Mega Millions prize to go out and talk to those advisors before you come -- it's a good idea to do that," Carey said.
If the jackpot goes unclaimed by March 26, 2025, all states that offer Mega Millions get a slice, and New Jersey's cut is $27 million.
"All of our contributions go to the pension system -- they primarily benefit teachers, police and fire personnel and other state employers," Carey said.
To start the process of claiming the jackpot, visit NJLottery.com/ClaimAPrize
WATCH: New York state lottery drawings live daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m.
Powerball drawings are also streamed here on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
Mega Millions drawings are streamed on Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m.
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