TRENTON, N.J. — Lottery players in Texas and Missouri split a $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot Saturday, ending a record 42-draw run that stretched more than three months and became the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history.
While the grand prize wasn’t won in New Jersey, state players, retailers and the pension system still reaped millions in benefits between June 1 and Sept. 6, according to lottery officials.
“It was quite a remarkable cycle for the Powerball,” New Jersey Executive Director James Carey said. “Our players, retailers and pension system all benefited in huge ways.”
New Jersey generated $119 million in Powerball sales during the run, with $47 million earmarked for the state’s pension program for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees.
Players in New Jersey collected nearly $23 million in prizes, with 2,355,797 fixed-prize winners statewide. That included 69 prizes of at least $50,000 and five $1 million prizes awarded in 18 of the state’s 21 counties. In the game’s final draw Saturday, a Camden County player won $1 million, and 16 others won prizes of at least $50,000.
Retailers across the state also saw gains, earning nearly $6 million in commissions from ticket sales.
The $1.787 billion jackpot ranks second among U.S. lottery prizes, behind a $2.04 billion Powerball won in California in 2022. Other top jackpots include a $1.765 billion Powerball in California in 2023, a $1.602 billion Mega Millions in Florida in 2023, and a $1.586 billion Powerball split among California, Florida and Tennessee in 2016.
