NJ's $1.13B Mega Millions Winner Still Hasn't Come Forward, And Time Is Running Down

NEW JERSEY — Who won the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot sold at a Monmouth County ShopRite back on March 26? Six months later, nobody has come forward to claim the historic prize.

The ticket had an estimated prize of $1.13 billion, with a cash value of $537.5 million. It is the largest jackpot ever won in New Jersey, and the fifth largest jackpot in the history of the lottery in America.

On Thursday, the New Jersey Lottery noted that the mystery winner has six months left to claim the money, as the ticket will expire one year from the date of the drawing. Otherwise, the jackpot money will go back to each state that participates in Mega Millions.

"New Jersey Lottery winners have one year from the date of the drawing to file a claim before the ticket expires," lottery officials said on Sept. 26. "While it is not unusual for winners of large jackpots to take their time to file a claim, we do urge all players to check their tickets."

The ticket was sold in the liquor section of the Neptune ShopRite on Rt. 66. The ticket matched all six numbers: 7, 11, 22, 29 and 38, plus the gold Mega Ball 4.

A 2020 law allows lottery winners in New Jersey to remain anonymous to the public; players claiming prizes worth $600 or more do have to provide their identity to lottery officials.

"The winner should contact New Jersey Lottery as soon as possible to begin the claim process," officials said. "We recommend the lucky winner seek professional legal and financial advice."