News Release

TRENTON (March 6, 2020) – New Jersey Lottery’s Million Dollar Replay Grand Prize Drawing was held today at Asbury Park Convention Hall, where more than $1,500,000 in prizes were awarded to contest lucky players. Today’s top prize winner was James Wood of Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County. The winner jumped excitedly at the event as his name was called out as New Jersey Lottery’s newest millionaire. Fourteen other Lottery players also received prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 as part of the Grand Prize Drawing.

Throughout 2019, New Jersey Lottery players all over the state submitted their non-winning instant tickets online for a second chance to win big prizes. Each quarter, 100 names were selected and awarded a $250 prize, as well as entry into today’s Grand Prize Drawing. Fifteen prizes were awarded, along with seven $1,000 door prizes and eight gift baskets. Guests also enjoyed the fan-favorite CA$HNADO and prize wheels with many opportunities to win.

New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey welcomed guests and assisted in the drawing. “This is the ninth consecutive year that New Jersey Lottery has held this spectacular event to provide lottery players with second chances to win cash prizes with previously non-winning Scratch-off game tickets. Our semi-finalists were in the audience to experience the anticipation, excitement and potential of becoming a millionaire,” Carey said.

Lauren Berman, Lottery Host, conducted the drawing for the semi-finalists with the help of Lottery staff. Master of Ceremonies Steve Trevelise of NJ101.5 brought the additional entertainment this year throughout the event by interacting with the guests and prizewinners. The drawing was conducted under the observation of Mercadien, P.C. Certified Public Accountants until the official results were achieved and the 15 finalists were selected.

Grand Prize Winner Story:

Million Dollar Replay’s $1,000,000 winner, James Wood, was sitting in the audience anxiously hoping his name would be called for this year’s grand prize. As the prizes were announced, his tension grew. The crowd grew silent as Lauren read carefully from the winning ball. “From Ocean County…” she started, and James knew it was a good sign. “From Little Egg Harbor…” Lauren continued, and right away he felt it had to be him. Finally, she announced, “James Wood!” and he jumped with glee from his seat, accompanied by his brother-in-law.

James said he is still in shock, and feels like his wildest dreams have finally come true. He mentioned that, prior to today’s event, he joked with his family that he had to be the next winner. Now it’s time to go home victorious!

When asked if they had any plans for their big prize, James mentioned his family was hoping to take a vacation to Hawaii this summer, and now their luck has made the trip that much easier. Congratulations again to James Wood of Little Egg Harbor!