$1M Second-Chance NJ Lottery Prize Goes To Ocean County Man

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A second-chance entry of a losing instant lottery ticket has paid off nicely for an Ocean County man, who won $1 million in the New Jersey Lottery's Million Dollar Replay.

The prize drawing was held Friday at Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino and more than $1.5 million in second-chance prizes was awarded.

Ed Schlesinger of Ocean County won the $1 million prize, lottery officials said, and was present for the drawing as his name was called.

Lottery officials said Schlesinger was "shocked and overjoyed when he heard his name called."

"His son immediately sent a group text to the family, who thought he was joking, and called right away to confirm the good news," lottery officials said.

Schlesinger told lottery officials he plans to use the money to help his family by paying off student loans, car payments, and mortgages, as well as helping his wife realize a career dream.

Schlesinger's name was drawn from among entries submitted throughout 2022 by lottery players who submitted their instant tickets online when they did not win prizes.

Each quarter 100 names were drawn from among those entries, with each of the 100 receiving a $250 prize and entry into the grand prize drawing.

In addition to the $1 million prize, there were two $100,000 winners, three $50,000 winners, four people who won $25,000 and five who won $10,000.