Want to win a billion dollars? Buy your ticket in a town named Neptune

Is there something in the water?

You've probably heard that Neptune, New Jersey, just sold a winning billion-dollar Mega Millions lottery ticket.

But did you know that the last billion-dollar winning ticket also was sold in Neptune?

Neptune Beach, Florida, that is.

In August 2023, a ticket that won a $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot was purchased at a Publix in the town, which is located near Jacksonville.

That is the largest Mega Millions win on record, as well as the latest billion-dollar win before Tuesday's drawing.

According to Florida lottery officials, Saltines Holdings LLC from Miami claimed the billion-dollar prize. 

Neptune, New Jersey, and Neptune Beach, Florida

So do the two Neptunes have much in common?

Both are named for Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and are located close to the ocean.

More: Jersey pride? Here's how one town in Florida was named for Manalapan

They were founded around the same time, with Neptune, New Jersey, formed in 1879 and Neptune Beach, Florida, being purchased for a mere $225 in 1884.

They both have popular watering holes, with Neptune, New Jersey, boasting Headliner Oasis, among others, while Neptune Beach, Florida, is home to Pete’s Bar, where John Grisham took inspiration for the setting of his book "The Brethren."

Other Neptune towns in United States

If you're hoping the Neptune luck might rub off on you, here are some other Neptunes around the country where you can try your hand at procuring a winning ticket.

• Neptune, Iowa

• Neptune, Ohio

• Neptune, Tennessee

• Neptune, West Virginia

• Neptune, Wisconsin

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Last two billion-dollar Mega Millions tickets sold in Neptune towns