Two unclaimed lottery jackpots in New Jersey—one from Mega Millions and one from Powerball—are waiting for their rightful owners. As of late July 2026, the prizes remain uncollected, with deadlines approaching. Check your tickets now. Sixteen New Jerseyans have already won big this month across these games. The state is on a hot streak.
The Unclaimed Jackpots: What You Need to Know
The first unclaimed prize is from a Mega Millions drawing held in early June 2026. The ticket, valued at an estimated $1 million, was purchased at a retail location in Bergen County. The second is a Powerball prize from a mid-July 2026 drawing, estimated at $500,000, bought in Essex County. Both tickets must be claimed within one year of their respective drawing dates. The clock is ticking. The NJ Lottery advises winners to sign the back of their tickets immediately and contact the state at 1-800-222-0996. “Check your tickets now—you could be one of the two big winners in New Jersey who haven’t claimed their prize,” the lottery said in a statement.
Recent Hot Winners: 16 New Jerseyans Strike It Big
July 2026 has been a banner month for NJ Lottery players. Data from northjersey.com and NJ101.5 reports highlight a wave of wins:
- A $50,000 Powerball match in Nutley.
- A $1 million Mega Millions ticket in Bergen County.
- A $100,000 NJ Lottery scratch-off win in Monmouth County.
- A $10,000 Powerball win in Hudson County.
The Nutley winner was the focus of a local story: “The Forecast Wasn’t The Only Thing Hot Last Week in Nutley – There Was Another Lottery Winner.” The frequency of payouts makes the unclaimed jackpots even more glaring.
Why Do Jackpots Go Unclaimed? Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Lost tickets. Failure to check numbers. Assuming a small win is the only win. These are the top reasons prizes go uncollected. The two unclaimed jackpots serve as real-world examples. Practical tips: Sign your ticket immediately. Store it in a safe place. Double-check all numbers—even a partial match could be thousands of dollars. The NJ Lottery reports that unclaimed prizes over $600 are flagged to the state, but winners must act.
How to Claim Your Prize: Step-by-Step Guide for New Jersey Winners
For prizes under $600, winners can claim at any authorized retailer. For amounts over $600, including the two unclaimed jackpots, winners must file a claim form at NJ Lottery headquarters in Trenton or via mail. Headquarters address: NJ Lottery, P.O. Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041. Phone: 1-800-222-0996. Valid ID required. The process is straightforward, but time is limited.
Don’t Let It Be You: Final Urgency and Next Steps
Two unclaimed prizes. Sixteen recent winners. The lottery is hot. Check your tickets today. Share this article with friends and family. Subscribe for NJ Lottery alerts. Your ticket could be the next big headline—don’t let it slip away.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What are the two unclaimed lottery jackpots in New Jersey?
- A: One is a $1 million Mega Millions ticket from a June 2026 drawing, purchased in Bergen County. The other is a $500,000 Powerball ticket from a mid-July 2026 drawing, bought in Essex County.
- Q: How long do I have to claim an unclaimed NJ Lottery prize?
- A: Both tickets must be claimed within one year of their respective drawing dates. The clock is ticking, so check your tickets immediately.
- Q: What should I do if I have a winning ticket?
- A: Sign the back of your ticket right away and contact the NJ Lottery at 1-800-222-0996 for step-by-step instructions.
- Q: Are there any recent big winners in New Jersey?
- A: Yes, July 2026 has been a hot month with 16 winners, including a $50,000 Powerball match in Nutley, a $1 million Mega Millions ticket in Bergen County, and a $100,000 scratch-off win in Monmouth County.
Extended Reading
For official unclaimed prizes data, visit the NJ Lottery unclaimed prizes page . For July 2026 winner details, see the northjersey.com report: Big NJ winners last week . For playing guides, visit the NJ Lottery Mega Millions page .