New Jersey Lottery Player Wins $90 Million Mega Millions Jackpot
The Mega Millions lottery recently saw a lucky winner in New Jersey who claimed a $90 million jackpot. The drawing took place on Tuesday, December 2, with a cash option of $41.9 million. This win marks another exciting moment for lottery players across the country.
This was the first time the jackpot had been won since a player in Georgia claimed a massive $983 million prize on November 14. Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot is currently at $775 million, with a cash option of $362.5 million.
What Were the Winning Numbers?
For those checking their tickets, the winning numbers for the December 2 Mega Millions draw were:
- White balls: 17, 25, 26, 53, 60
- Mega Ball: 16
These numbers were drawn from a pool of 70 white balls and 24 Mega Balls. Players can choose their own numbers or opt for a Quick Pick, where the lottery machine randomly selects them.
When Is the Next Drawing?
Mega Millions drawings occur every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET. Players interested in participating should be aware of the deadlines for purchasing tickets, which vary by state. In some cases, the deadline can be as early as two hours before the drawing. For example, in New Jersey, the deadline for the 11 p.m. drawing is 9:15 p.m.
How to Play Mega Millions
Each ticket costs $5 and includes a multiplier that can increase non-jackpot prizes up to 10 times the original amount. The game allows players to select five numbers from 1 to 70 for the white balls and one number from 1 to 24 for the Mega Ball. Players do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents of a specific state to participate.
Where Can You Buy Tickets?
Lottery tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals also sell tickets. Additionally, online platforms like Jackpocket allow players to purchase tickets through an app in select states. These include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
Understanding the Prizes
Players can win at least $10 by matching just the Mega Ball. To win the minimum non-jackpot prize of $2 million, players must match all five white balls. The exact prize amounts depend on how many numbers are matched and the current jackpot size.
Cash Option vs. Annuity
Major lotteries offer two payout options for the jackpot: annuity and cash. The annuity option provides payments over 30 years, increasing by 5% annually. The cash option offers a lump sum, which is typically lower than the advertised jackpot.
Anonymity for Winners
In some states, including New Jersey, lottery winners can remain anonymous. A law signed by Governor Phil Murphy allows winners to keep their identities private. However, in other states, the winner’s name and hometown may become public information.
Top Mega Millions Jackpots
Here are some of the largest Mega Millions jackpots ever won:
- $1.602 billion (August 8, 2023) – Florida
- $1.537 billion (October 23, 2018) – South Carolina
- $1.348 billion (January 13, 2023) – Maine
- $1.337 billion (July 29, 2022) – Illinois
- $1.269 billion (December 27, 2024) – California
- $1.128 billion (March 26, 2024) – New Jersey
- $1.05 billion (January 22, 2021) – Michigan
- $983 million (November 14, 2025) – Georgia
Largest U.S. Lottery Jackpots
Some of the largest jackpots in U.S. history include:
- $2.04 billion (Powerball, November 7, 2022) – California
- $1.787 billion (Powerball, September 6, 2025) – Missouri and Texas
- $1.765 billion (Powerball, October 11, 2023) – California
- $1.602 billion (Mega Millions, August 8, 2023) – Florida
- $1.586 billion (Powerball, January 13, 2016) – California, Florida, Tennessee
Scams and Safety
It is important to be cautious of scams related to lottery wins. Legitimate lottery winners will not contact you to ask for personal information or payment. Always verify the source of any communication regarding your lottery winnings.
Help for Gambling Problems
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Contact organizations such as 1-800-GAMBLER or visit websites like www.800gambler.org for support.
