Best lottery games in New Jersey

Written by Jackpot Staff

June 11, 2024

Lottery games have always been popular among those hoping to strike it rich with a stroke of luck. In the state of New Jersey, several lottery games offer exciting opportunities to win big. Whether you are a seasoned player or someone looking to try their luck for the first time, understanding the basics of these games and knowing which ones are the most popular can help enhance your lottery experience. So, let's explore the best lottery games in New Jersey and delve into what makes them so appealing to players of all backgrounds.

Popular lottery games in New Jersey

Let’s explore some of the most popular lottery games in New Jersey, which offer great potential winnings and thrilling odds.

Powerball

Powerball is a multi-state lottery game that offers one of the largest jackpots in the country. To play, players must select five numbers from a pool of 69, as well as an additional Powerball number from a separate pool of 26. The odds of winning the jackpot are quite low, but the allure of potentially winning millions of dollars keeps players coming back for more.

What makes Powerball particularly exciting is the concept of rollovers. When no one wins the jackpot, the prize money rolls over to the next drawing, leading to even larger jackpots that capture the public's imagination. This phenomenon has resulted in some of the biggest lottery prizes in history, with winners becoming overnight millionaires and sometimes even billionaires.

Mega Millions

Similar to Powerball, Mega Millions is another multi-state lottery game with massive jackpots up for grabs. To play, participants must choose five numbers from a pool of 70 and an additional Megaball number from a separate pool of 25. Winning the jackpot in Mega Millions is a rare feat, but the game also offers several other prize tiers for matching fewer numbers.

One of the most notable features of Mega Millions is the Megaplier option, which allows players to increase their non-jackpot winnings by 2, 3, 4, or 5 times. This multiplier can turn a modest prize into a substantial sum, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling game. Additionally, Mega Millions holds the record for the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, highlighting the immense potential for life-changing wins.

Pick-6: New Jersey's exclusive lottery game

Pick-6 is a unique lottery game that is exclusive to New Jersey. In this game, players must select six numbers from a pool of 49. While the jackpots may not be as high as Powerball or Mega Millions, the odds of winning are relatively better. The game also offers additional prize categories for matching fewer numbers, giving players more chances to win.

What sets Pick-6 apart is its history of creating local winners and helping fund the state’s public employee pension system for workers, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters. The game has been a staple in the state's lottery offerings, providing entertainment and opportunities for residents to try their luck. With its focus on smaller, more frequent wins, Pick-6 appeals to players looking for a different lottery experience that emphasizes consistent payouts and local impact.

Jersey Cash 5

This game has daily drawings, and players choose five numbers from a pool of 45. It offers a starting jackpot of $100,000, and unclaimed jackpots roll over to the next drawing, increasing the prize pool.

Pick-3 & Pick-4

Pick 3 and Pick 4 games have multiple daily drawings and offer various ways to win based on different combinations of selected numbers. The odds of winning smaller prizes are better compared to larger jackpot games.