N.J. Woman Wins $5 Million In 'Cash Extravaganza' Instant Game
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey woman became a millionaire in a scratch!
Lacey Katona, of Linden, is the first winner of the largest instant ticket top prize in the lottery's history, 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet reported.
The Cash Extravaganza game, with a top prize of $5 million, was introduced to the public on January 5.
"My family just feels truly blessed, I feel blessed. I'm still in complete shock. It doesn't feel real at all," said Katona, a retail manager and mother of three.
In addition to three top $5 million prizes, there are more than $179 million in additional prizes available to be won playing the game, including over $1.5 million in prizes ranging from $50 to $500 and over $15 million in prizes ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, according to lottery officials.
"We are thrilled to offer an instant game with a life-changing top prize to our New Jersey players," said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director Carole Hedinger. "Instantly, as the game category implies, with the scratch of a card, someone's life can dramatically change and bring a world of opportunity that financial freedom often brings."
Katona bought the winning ticket at Krauszer's, located at 1114 South Wood Avenue in Linden.
The store will receive a $30,000 commission for selling the ticket.
Katona said she doesn't have any plans for the money, Granet reported. "It's still sinking in."