TRENTON (August 10, 2026) – For years they heard the same words from their father and grandmother: “Someone has to win. It could be you.” The 30-year-old New Jersey player handed their dad a familiar set of numbers and went to sleep at their parents’ house, not thinking twice about it.

Then came the screaming.

Their father was yelling, shaking, jumping up and down. The numbers hit. All five of them. The Millionaire for Life second-tier prize: $100,000 a year for life or $2.2 million cash. Drawn on May 29th. Won while sleeping under their parents’ roof.

“It’s unbelievable,” the winner said. “Wow is all I can say.”

The winning combination wasn’t random: 09-25-33-35-42, Millionaire Ball 01. Each number held meaning. The day they were born. Their father’s birthday. A relative’s lucky number. His age when he passed. The number 33 that follows them everywhere. Numbers tied to where they grew up. Only the Millionaire Ball was left to chance.

Playing the Lottery is a family affair. The father reminds everyone to play their numbers. He picks up the tickets. The winner’s nonagenarian grandmother, for whom playing is pure joy always believed. So did their grandfather.

The timing was extraordinary. The winner’s grandfather’s ashes which had remained in Florida for 27 years were moved to New Jersey.

The ashes arrived the same week as the win.

“They family believes he helped me win,” the winner shared. Days after claiming the prize, they buried the ashes at the family plot. “We thanked him for the gift.”

The winner never even checked the ticket, they knew the numbers by heart. At the Lottery office, reality set in slowly. “It didn’t feel real. I was nervous not knowing what was going to happen.”

Now the plans: Help the parents who’ve given so much. Donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Take everyone to “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Invest for a future family. “I made a promise to God to do good with the money.”

“The money doesn’t’ mean much to me, but I’m happy to help my parents,” they explained. “I finally get to give them a break.”

Their grandmother couldn’t be prouder.

About Millionaire for Life

The daily game costs $5 per play and offers nine ways to win. Match all five numbers plus the Millionaire Ball for $1 million a year for life ($18 million cash option). Match five for $100,000 a year for life ($2.2 million cash option). Other prizes range from $8 to $7,500.

For additional information on game rules, prizes and how to play, visit www.NJLottery.com.

Real People Win

This time it was a 30-year-old with meaningful numbers, a supportive family, and perfect timing. Someone who believes in signs and keeps promises.

We can’t wait to meet the next winner.