404632 02: Jorge M. Lopes (R) and his wife Joanne F. Lopes, of Englishtown, NJ, hold their check for $58.9 million April 30, 2002 in Trenton, NJ. The Lopes were one of three winners of the $331 million jackpot from the Big Game drawing held April 16, 2002. The other two winning tickets were sold in the states of Georgia and Illinois. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)
We all dream of winning big in the lottery. Even those of us who never play may sometimes have a hypothetical chat or thought about what we would do with the money if we won a million or twenty million or five hundred million dollars. We even go as far as to debate which is better, to take a lesser cash option in a lump sum or the larger amount paid out over several years. Then we complain about all the taxes we’d have to pay, only to come full circle and conclude with the realization that we didn’t win so we don’t have to pay the taxes or make any payout decisions. Honestly, anyone would welcome the cash but would be very careful to make sure that it doesn’t negatively affect their lives. Who wouldn’t want to take that chance?
We hear so many stories about normal, everyday people who win large amounts of money in the lottery, and then for a variety of reasons their life is ruined. Drug addiction, suicide, bankruptcy.
There are wonderful stories as well. Like the guy who had lost his job. Unemployed and in danger of losing his home, but hit the big one and lived happily ever after. Or the woman who was a single mother of five struggling to make ends meet, then wins over a hundred million dollars.
Even a million dollars would make a huge difference in anyone’s life. “Even a million dollars” sounds so crazy to say, but when people are winning half a billion dollars, a million doesn’t seem like a lot. I think we can all agree, it is!
At least one person in Union, New Jersey is about to find out how much of a difference it can make because a million-dollar ticket was sold there. Lottery officials said that a million-dollar Mega Millions ticket was purchased at a Quickchek on Morris Avenue in Union, and matched all 5 numbers sans the Mega Ball.
According to NJLottery.com, the winning numbers in Tuesday’s drawing were 15, 18, 25, 33, and 38 with the Mega Ball 25.
Lottery officials also confirmed that there was also someone who matched 4 numbers plus the Mega Ball and won ten thousand dollars in Manahawkin in Stafford Township.
The estimated jackpot for this Friday, October 7th is $410 million dollars. Are you worried you might win? 🙂
This New Jersey Casino Hotel Is Ranked No. 2 In The U.S.
New Jerseyans don’t have to go too far for a weekend getaway. According to 10Best, spearheaded by the USA TODAY Network, New Jersey has occupied the No. 2 and No. 3 spot for the best casino hotels in the U.S.
10Best came to this conclusion by using user votes so the casino hotels selected will have an authentic placement on the list.
Coming in at No. 3 is Ocean Casino Resort located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The site’s users picked AC as a hotspot based on its unique features and offerings. The Ocean Casino Resort has “138,000 square feet of gaming space, including 1,937 slot machines, a 7,500-square-foot sportsbook with panoramic video wall technology, table games, and the largest TopGolf Swing Suite in the country.”
In addition to Ocean Casino Resort’s premiere hotel suites and gaming, the resort also offers fine dining at Amada, American Cut, and Dolce Mare and casual dining at The District, Zhen Bang Noodle & Sushi, or Villain & Saint. You can also relax in their luxurious spa or enjoy nightlife entertainment at Ovation Hall, HQ2 Nightclub, HQ2 Beachclub, or you can choose to go out to smaller entertainment venues such as Nola’s Bar & Lounge or Villain & Saint.
The No. 2 spot is another Atlantic City location at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Users selected the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino because of its classic Rock and Roll atmosphere and high-energy gaming. The site also mentions that the casino floor features 2,115 slot machines and more than 100 different table games, including an Asian gaming room with Pai Gow, mini-baccarat and Asian poker.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers dining at Council Oak, Kuro, Trattoria Il Mulino, Sandpiper, and of course the Hard Rock Cafe. They also offer guests to book a reservation at the Rock Spa & Salon as well as a host of entertainment and nightlife adventures to enjoy your stay.
Take a look at the top casino hotels in the nation below:
