The New Jersey Lottery explained
New Jersey is one of 45 states with government-run lotteries, and there are lotteries in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They are all very similar, and New Jersey is right in the middle of the mainstream when it comes to the way the lottery is operated. It is one of the more popular forms of gambling in New Jersey.
There are big-money games that provide winners with hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases. Along with these jackpots, there are lottery games that will put thousands of dollars in your pocket, and the smaller games will make your day with a relatively modest cash infusion.
Can you play the New Jersey Lottery online?
No, you cannot play the lottery online in New Jersey directly. However, you can play the lottery online in New Jersey using Jackpocket or Lotto.com. These are third-party service providers that can legally provide you with lottery tickets in New Jersey through their respective online portals.
In addition, the New Jersey Lottery website has a lot of very useful information for lottery players. The site keeps you up-to-date on events and promotions, and there are player tools that provide insight that can help to give you an edge.
There is also a VIP Club that you can join online, and it is absolutely free of charge. Benefits include jackpot alerts, daily winning number emails, opt-in drawings, sweepstakes, personalized notifications, and second-chance opportunities.
If you’re looking to play something online, sports betting in New Jersey can be played from your computer or phone.
History of the New Jersey Lottery
In 1969, New Jersey voters were given a chance to vote on a ballot initiative that would legalize a state-operated lottery. An overwhelming 81.5 percent of people who cast ballots voted in favor of the initiative.
The first lottery tickets were sold on December 16, 1970. In 1971, the big money started flowing when the first millionaire drawing was introduced. Edward and Kathleen Henry of West Caldwell were the winners, and they received $50,000 in annual annuity payments.
Six years later, in 1977, New Jersey Network started broadcasting the lottery drawings every evening, and the show was hosted by Hela Young. In 1980, the Pick-6 Lotto game was introduced.
The New Jersey Lottery celebrated its 50th year in 2020, and in July of that year, a $124 million winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased in Bayonne.
Claiming New Jersey Lottery winnings
Winning the lottery is a fantastic feeling, and it is gratifying to feel the cold hard cash in your hands. These are the steps that you take to collect your winnings if you are fortunate enough to win the lottery in New Jersey.