By: Richard L. Smith
A Bergen County lottery player struck it big Thursday night, winning the top prize in the CASH4LIFE drawing just days before the game is set to conclude, according to information released by New Jersey Lottery officials.
The lucky ticket matched all five white balls — 51, 54, 57, 59, and 60 — along with the Cash Ball number 03, securing the $1,000 a Day for Life grand prize.
The cash option for the jackpot is valued at $7 million.
Lottery officials said the winning ticket was purchased at Krauszer’s Liquor Wine & Food Store, located at 123 Valley Brook Avenue in Lyndhurst. The retailer will receive a $30,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The win comes with only two remaining drawings left in the CASH4LIFE game before it transitions to a new offering.
Beginning February 22, the New Jersey Lottery will introduce “Millionaire for Life,” a $5 daily draw game featuring a top prize of $1 million per year for life.
The cash value for the top prize in the new game increases to $18 million.
Players in Millionaire for Life will select five numbers from 1 to 58 and one Millionaire Ball number from 1 to 5. Drawings will be held nightly at 11:15 p.m.
Lottery officials said the recent jackpot win underscores the unpredictable nature of the game, especially as one chapter closes and another begins.