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This past Powerball cycle was one for the record books, and New Jersey was one of the biggest winners, even though nobody in the Garden State snagged the grand prize.
From June 1 through Sept. 6, the Powerball jackpot climbed over a whopping 42 consecutive drawings, ultimately topping out at $1.787 billion, the second highest ever. It was split between players in Texas and Missouri.
While tax revenue from New Jersey online casinos and sports betting are a significant funding source for the state, the Lottery, which doesn’t produce nearly as many headlines, has helped the Garden State immensely since June.
Retailers and the state pension system scored
Around $119 million was generated from Powerball ticket sales in New Jersey. Of that, $47 million went directly into the state’s pension system, subsidizing the benefits of teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public employees.
The Lottery’s roughly 6,500 retail partners also walked away with nearly $6 million in commissions.
NJ Lottery Executive Director James Carey confirmed the state’s windfall from Powerball.
“It was quite a remarkable cycle for the Powerball. Our players, retailers, and pension system all benefited in huge ways.”
So while the big jackpot found winners elsewhere, significant victories were also had in New Jersey. Hundreds of thousands of players pocketed winnings, hardworking retailers earned commissions, and New Jersey’s public pension fund received a major boost.
What did New Jersey get out of the ride
While the jackpot eluded the state, New Jersey Lottery players still won more than their fair share. Nearly 2.36 million fixed-prize winners took home almost $23 million in total prizes. Among them were 69 winners of at least $50,000, including five lucky millionaires, spread across 18 of the state’s 21 counties.
On the final drawing, a Camden County resident hit the $1 million jackpot prize, while 16 other prizes of $50,000 or more also landed in New Jersians’ pockets.
As always, the NJ Lottery reminds everyone: Play for fun, but play responsibly. Support’s available through the Council of Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and their helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER.
