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New Jersey Couple Wins $4M from Two Scratch-Off Jackpots in Six Months — Odds '1 in Two Trillion'

A New Jersey couple from Ocean County won $3 million this month after previously claiming a $1 million scratch-off in April, bringing their total to $4 million. Lottery officials say the combined odds of winning both top prizes are about 1 in two trillion, far rarer than being struck by a meteorite. The couple, who are expecting a third child, said they scratch tickets at home when their young children are asleep. New Jersey Lottery Director James Carey described the wins as "pure blind luck."

06:14 AM, 11/27/2025Society
New Jersey Couple Wins $4M from Two Scratch-Off Jackpots in Six Months — Odds '1 in Two Trillion'

A New Jersey couple from Ocean County has won a total of $4 million this year after claiming two top prizes on scratch-off tickets just months apart. They recently uncovered a $3 million winning ticket purchased at a gas station in Toms River, adding to a $1 million top prize they claimed in April.

State lottery officials estimated the combined odds of winning both top prizes at roughly 1 in two trillion. To put that into perspective, officials noted a person would be about 1.2 million times more likely to be struck by a meteorite than to win both jackpots.

James Carey, director of the New Jersey Lottery, called the streak "pure blind luck." The husband and wife chose to remain anonymous but provided statements through lottery officials about how they play.

The couple — who are expecting their third child and already have children aged 11 months and 5 years — said with young kids at home they have little free time. "At the beginning of the month, we get some tickets. When the kids go to bed, we scratch a few off," the husband said. "We like to make it a bit of a competition — who can win the most. It seems we at least always break even."

Describing the reaction to the $3 million ticket, the husband said he handed the card to his wife after scratching the play area. "I looked at it, held it to my chest and screamed," she recalled. Moments later she was laughing, and he told her, "Babe, we got luck on our side."

Lottery officials confirmed the two wins bring the couple's combined winnings this year to $4 million. The recent ticket was purchased at a Toms River gas station.

Help for problem gambling: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit gamtalk.org.

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