Winner of record $5 million NJ lottery instant ticket claims prize

LINDEN, N.J. (WABC) -- The lucky winner of a record-setting New Jersey lottery jackpot was introduced Monday.

Lottery officials say Lacey Katona of Linden purchased an instant ticket that won $5 million, the largest top-prize amount ever offered by a New Jersey lottery instant ticket.

She was the first winner of the $5 million Cash Extravaganza game.

In addition to three top $5 million prizes, there are more than $179 million in additional prizes available to be won playing the game, including over $1.5 million in prizes ranging from $50 to $500 and over $15 million in prizes ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.

"We are thrilled to offer an instant game with a life-changing top prize to our New Jersey players," said Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger. "Instantly, as the game category implies, with the scratch of a card, someone's life can dramatically change and bring a world of opportunity that financial freedom often brings."

The winner stepped forward at the location where the ticket was sold, a Krauszer's store on South Wood Avenue in Linden.

"I am very happy that somebody won in my store," said owner, Apexaben Patel. As the retailer that sold this winning ticket, they will receive a $30,000 commission bonus.

The independently operated Krauszer's store has been a lottery retailer for approximately five years. "Selling lottery has been very beneficial to my business," said Patel. She will use the money to reduce overall business expenses.