A lottery player in Essex County claimed the $714,809 Cash 5 jackpot on Thursday, September 22, 2026, at a local convenience store. The winning ticket was purchased in the county and presented to the store clerk, who verified the numbers and processed the claim on the spot.
The Cash 5 game, administered by the New Jersey Lottery, awards a top prize when a player matches all five drawn numbers. The $714,809 payout represents the full cash value of the jackpot for this draw, making it one of the larger single-game wins recorded in the state this year. The winner, whose identity has not been disclosed, opted to collect the cash prize rather than a annuity, as allowed by the game’s rules.
The convenience store where the ticket was redeemed is situated in a residential area of Essex County and serves as a typical point of sale for lottery tickets across New Jersey. Store staff reported that the transaction proceeded without incident, and the winning ticket was handed over to the lottery’s regional office for final verification before the prize was released to the player.
Lottery officials confirmed that the jackpot had reached this level after a series of draws without a top prize winner, prompting increased ticket sales and public interest throughout the region. The New Jersey Lottery regularly publishes jackpot amounts and draws results, and the announcement of this win is expected to draw additional attention to the Cash 5 game.
Local residents have expressed curiosity about the winner’s plans for the newfound funds, though no details have been provided. The lottery agency reminded players that all winnings are subject to state and federal taxes, and that winners may choose to remain anonymous in accordance with New Jersey law.
The win adds to the recent series of notable lottery payouts in the state, underscoring the continued popularity of quick‑draw games such as Cash 5 among New Jersey players.