NEW JERSEY - In the world of the New Jersey Lottery, some stores just seem to have all the luck. From the bustling corners of Bergen County to the high-traffic hubs along the Parkway, a handful of retailers have become famous for selling not just small winners, but life-changing jackpots. In fact, early 2026 data shows that a few specific locations are currently on a "heater," dispensing major prizes at a rate that has players traveling from across the state just to buy a ticket. If you're looking to turn a few dollars into a fortune, these are the luckiest places to play in New Jersey right now.
NEW JERSEY - In the world of the New Jersey Lottery, some stores just seem to have all the luck. From the bustling corners of Bergen County to the high-traffic hubs along the Parkway, a handful of retailers have become famous for selling not just small winners, but life-changing jackpots. In fact, early 2026 data shows that a few specific locations are currently on a "heater," dispensing major prizes at a rate that has players traveling from across the state just to buy a ticket. If you're looking to turn a few dollars into a fortune, these are the luckiest places to play in New Jersey right now.North Jersey: The Powerhouse Retailers
North Jersey—specifically Bergen and Essex counties—consistently leads the state in total winning tickets. The high volume of commuters makes these shops some of the busiest and luckiest in the nation.
- ShopRite #116 (Fair Lawn) Located on Maple Avenue, this ShopRite is currently one of the hottest locations in the state. In February 2026, it sold a share of a massive $1.9 million Jersey Cash 5 jackpot. It’s not just a grocery store; it’s a verified winner magnet that frequently appears on the state’s "Big Winners" list for both draw games and high-end scratch-offs.
- 7-Eleven #38112 (Wallington) Wallington is often called one of the "luckiest towns" in New Jersey due to its high concentration of winning retailers per capita. This 7-Eleven on Paterson Avenue is the crown jewel of the area, consistently selling five- and six-figure winning tickets. It has become a "hang out and play" destination for locals who swear by the store's energy.
Central Jersey: The Jackpot Giants
Central Jersey is home to some of the most historic wins in lottery history, including a record-breaking billion-dollar moment.
- ShopRite of Neptune (Neptune) This location became world-famous in 2024 for selling the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot—the largest ever won in New Jersey. The luck hasn't run out yet; in the years since, it has continued to sell multiple six-figure Jersey Cash 5 and Scratch-Off prizes, proving that lightning can indeed strike twice at this Route 66 hub.
- New Jersey Lottery Lucky Store (North Brunswick) When a store literally has "Lucky" in the name and is located on US-130, you know the volume is high. This retailer is a top-tier destination for serious players, known for its massive inventory of scratch-offs and its frequent appearances in the New Jersey Lottery's "Winners Gallery."
South Jersey & The Shore: High-Stakes Stops
Along the coast and toward Philly, the luck shifts to high-traffic convenience stores and liquor marts where big wins are a regular occurrence.
- Mystic Wine & Spirits (Little Egg Harbor) Tucked away in Ocean County, this liquor store has become a legendary "hot spot" for Jersey Cash 5. It recently sold a jackpot worth nearly $500,000 and has a reputation for selling winning tickets to shore-bound travelers. It is often cited as the luckiest stop in the southern half of the state.
- Quick Stop Deli (Union Township) This unassuming deli in Union County (Central/South border region) is a "giant killer." It recently sold a $7 million Cash4Life top prize and is frequently listed as a high-tier retailer for Pick-6 jackpots. It’s the definition of a "neighborhood gem" that punches way above its weight class.
New Jersey’s All-Time "Millionaire Maker" Locations
If you are chasing the biggest legacies in the Garden State, these retailers hold the records:
- Eisenhower Exxon (Roseland): Site of a historic $5.9 million Pick-6 win.
- Hillside 7-Eleven (Union): Sold a staggering $5 million Fortune Scratch-Off, one of the largest instant wins in state history.
- Montvale 7-Eleven (Bergen County): Known for selling a $4 million Mega Millions ticket following a high-profile rule change.
The verdict for 2026 is clear: while Jersey luck can be found anywhere from a Wawa to a corner bodega, these specific retailers have the track record to show they are the most likely spots to turn a ticket into a headline.
