One lucky Mega Millions player in New Jersey is waking up a multimillionaire after matching all six numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing. The December 9, 2025 jackpot—worth an estimated $60 million—marks another major win for the Garden State, which has seen a streak of high-value lottery victories in recent years.
The winning numbers: 19, 32, 41, 49, 66, and Mega Ball 6.
A $60 Million Win That Changes Everything
The jackpot winner now faces a life-altering decision: take the full $60 million annuity paid over 29 years, or choose the $27.4 million cash option. Most jackpot winners select the lump sum, opting for immediate access to their winnings.
The drawing, held at 11:00 PM ET, ended the jackpot run that had been building over several weeks. It was the first time since the cycle began that a player hit all six numbers.
New Jersey Continues Its Lucky Streak
New Jersey remains one of the most successful states in Mega Millions history. A single ticket sold somewhere in the state matched all numbers, securing the entire jackpot. Lottery officials have not yet released the exact store location, but an announcement is expected once the winner steps forward.
Retailers that sell jackpot-winning tickets typically receive bonuses reaching thousands of dollars, providing an extra boost for local businesses.
Prize Category Breakdown
| Prize Tier | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jackpot (Match 5 + Mega Ball) | $60M | Annuity or lump sum |
| Cash Value | $27.4M | One-time payment |
| Match 5 (No Mega Ball) | $1,000,000 | Fixed prize |
| Next Estimated Jackpot | $70M | December 12 drawing |
How to Claim the Mega Millions Jackpot
The first step for the winning ticket holder is simple but crucial: sign the back of the ticket immediately. Lottery tickets are bearer instruments, meaning whoever holds an unsigned ticket can claim the prize.
Jackpot winners must visit a state lottery office in person and provide:
The signed winning ticket
A completed claim form
Valid government-issued ID
Social Security Number or Tax ID
Most states allow between 180 to 365 days to claim jackpot prizes, depending on local rules.
What Happens Next for Mega Millions Players?
Now that the jackpot has been claimed, the prize resets. Friday’s drawing on December 12, 2025, is expected to reach $70 million, with a cash value of about $32 million.
Mega Millions drawings take place every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. The game offers nine total prize tiers, with overall odds of winning any prize sitting at 1 in 24. The odds of winning the jackpot remain a steep 1 in 302.6 million, but the constant stream of winners keeps players coming back.
Other Winners From Tuesday Night
Beyond the jackpot hit, thousands of smaller prizes were won across participating states. Players matching five numbers without the Mega Ball earned $1 million, while those matching four numbers and the Mega Ball secured $10,000. State lottery officials typically release complete prize breakdowns the following day.
Anyone holding a ticket from Tuesday’s draw should double-check their numbers through official lottery channels or the Mega Millions website.
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