One of the Earliest State Lotteries
The New Jersey Lottery was established in 1970, making it one of the earliest state lotteries in the United States. The first legal government-operated lottery ticket sale in New Jersey since the 1890s took place that year, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to public revenue generation. New Jersey was only the fourth state to launch a modern lottery, following New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut.
Revenue and Mission
From its inception, the New Jersey Lottery has been dedicated to generating revenue for education and state institutions. Lottery proceeds are deposited into the state's general fund and have contributed billions of dollars to public programs over more than five decades of operation. Unlike some states that earmark lottery funds narrowly, New Jersey's lottery revenue supports a broad range of education and institutional needs.
Key Milestones
- 1970: New Jersey Lottery established — one of the first state lotteries in the nation
- 1975: Pick-It (now Pick 3) launches as the first daily numbers game
- 1977: Pick 4 added to the daily game lineup
- 1980: Lotto (Pick 6) introduced as the first in-state jackpot game
- 1991: Jersey Cash 5 launches as a mid-range lotto game
- 1999: New Jersey joins the multi-state Mega Millions consortium
- 2010: Powerball added when cross-selling agreement takes effect
- 2014: Cash4Life launches as a lifetime prize game
- 2026: Cash4Life ends in February; Millionaire For Life replaces it as the new lifetime prize game
The Cash4Life Era and Transition
Cash4Life was a popular multi-state game offering a top prize of $1,000 a day for life. New Jersey was one of the original states to carry Cash4Life when it launched in 2014. In February 2026, Cash4Life was discontinued and replaced by Millionaire For Life, which offers a larger top prize of $1 million a year for life with a different number matrix (5/58 + 1/5).
Impact and Legacy
Over more than 55 years, the New Jersey Lottery has grown from a simple weekly drawing into a comprehensive gaming platform with seven draw games and numerous instant ticket options. Its longevity and consistent revenue generation make it one of the most established lottery operations in the country. For a full breakdown of every current game, see our NJ Lottery Games Guide, or visit the New Jersey lottery dashboard for live results and analysis.
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