New Jersey Ticket Hits $90 Million Mega Millions Jackpot

New Jersey Player Snags $90 Million Mega Millions Jackpot

A lucky New Jersey player just hit the $90 million Mega Millions jackpot in the December 2 drawing — the only ticket to match all six numbers. The winning ticket was sold at Garden State News on Bergenline Avenue in Union City, marking the 26th Mega Millions win in the state, putting New Jersey right behind New York and California.

The jackpot resets to $50 million for the December 5 drawing.

Winning Numbers (December 2, 2025)

17 – 25 – 26 – 53 – 60
Mega Ball: 16

Big Choice for the Winner

Whoever holds that winning ticket can take:

• $41.9 million cash upfront

• or the traditional annuity with rising yearly payments

The last Mega Millions win was just a couple weeks ago — a massive $983 million prize claimed in Georgia in mid-November.

How to Play Mega Millions

The game got a refresh in April 2025, and here’s the quick rundown:

• Tickets cost $5, now including a built-in multiplier (up to 10x on non-jackpot prizes).

• Pick 5 numbers (1–70) + 1 Mega Ball (1–24).

• Or just grab a Quick Pick.

• You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to play.

How many matches do you need to win?

• Match just the Mega Ball ? $10 minimum

• Match all 5 white balls ? $2 million minimum (except CA)

• Match all 5 + Mega Ball ? Jackpot

Where You Can Play

Mega Millions is offered in:

• 45 states, plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Not available in:
Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah

Buying Tickets

You can grab tickets at:

• Gas stations

• Grocery stores

• Convenience stores

• Some airport kiosks

Or order online through approved digital couriers in many states.

Heads up: Each state sets its own cutoff time — sometimes up to two hours before the drawing. Don’t wait till the last minute.

When Are the Drawings?

Mega Millions draws happen every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET.

The Odds

Winning the jackpot is tough — like 290,472,336-to-1 tough. Fun to dream, though… just don’t spend the money before you win it.

Cash vs. Annuity

• Annuity: Paid over 30 years with 5% annual increases

• Cash option: One lump sum, smaller but instant

Can Winners Stay Anonymous?

In some states — including New Jersey — yes. In others, your name becomes public record. Always check your local rules.

Top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots Ever

1. $1.602B – Florida (2023)

2. $1.537B – South Carolina (2018)

3. $1.348B – Maine (2023)

4. $1.337B – Illinois (2022)

5. $1.269B – California (2024)

6. $1.128B – New Jersey (2024)

7. $1.05B – Michigan (2021)

8. $983M – Georgia (2025)

9. $810M – Texas (2024)

10. $656M – IL/KS/MD (2012)

Biggest U.S. Lottery Jackpots (Mega Millions + Powerball)

Some of the most jaw-dropping payouts in U.S. history include:

• $2.04B Powerball (CA, 2022)

• $1.787B Powerball (MO/TX, 2025)

• $1.765B Powerball (CA, 2023)

• $1.602B Mega Millions (FL, 2023)

• $1.586B Powerball (CA/FL/TN, 2016)

• And many more billion-plus payouts…