On this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, host Mike Ham takes the show on the road to the New Jersey Lottery headquarters for a deep-dive conversation with Executive Director Jim Carey. Powered by the New Jersey Lottery, this episode explores the games, events, and community impact of one of the state's most recognizable institutions.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
- The story of how Jim Carey and Mike discovered their mutual connection to local legend Johnny Pork Roll
- Behind the scenes of the Million Dollar Replay event, including how second-chance entries work and what it’s like to hand out over $1.3 million in prizes
- Highlighting March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the lottery’s work with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
- New games for 2025, including the Jersey Giant scratch-off featuring Shaquille O’Neal and the summer release of the Shore Thing series
- How the lottery uses Jersey culture—from pork roll to Parkway exits—to create fun, locally themed experiences
- Second-chance travel promotions like the Hard Rock Resorts giveaway
- Details on the upcoming change to Mega Millions, moving from $2 to $5 and offering bigger jackpots and improved second-tier prizes
- The importance of retailers and how the lottery balances tradition with digital expansion
- How the New Jersey Lottery contributes to the state pension system, with a major focus on supporting teachers
- A look at the history of the NJ Lottery, from old ball machines to its location on a former Negro League baseball field
Key Quotes:
“People from New Jersey are able to laugh at themselves—and then win a million dollars while they’re at it.” – Jim Carey
“The lottery’s biggest expense is paying prizes. More than 55 percent of revenue goes back to players.”
“Everybody knows Shaq’s from Jersey. Well… everybody here, anyway.”
Want to Play or Learn More?
- Visit your local retailer to grab a ticket
- Check out njlottery.com for game info, promotions, and responsible gaming tools
- Join the free VIP Club through the app to access second-chance drawings like Million Dollar Replay
Resources Mentioned:
Episode Sponsor:
This episode is powered by the New Jersey Lottery. Must be 18 or older to play. Please play responsibly.
Hosted by: Mike Ham
Recorded at: New Jersey Lottery Headquarters
Produced by: Greetings from the Garden State
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show to help us keep highlighting the people and stories that make New Jersey special.
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