Record-Breaking $980 Million Jackpot Claimed in Georgia
A single lottery ticket holder in Georgia has become the state's biggest-ever winner after securing the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot. The life-changing ticket was purchased in the city of Newman, according to an official press release from the Georgia Lottery, following the drawing on Friday night.
How the Winning Ticket Was Sold
The golden ticket was a Quik Pik, meaning the numbers were randomly generated by a computer system. It was sold at a Publix supermarket in Newman, Georgia, which will now receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus for its role in the historic win.
The winning numbers drawn were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and the Mega Ball was 7. The ticket matched all six numbers, ending a remarkable streak of 40 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The last Mega Millions jackpot was claimed in Virginia back in June.
Prize Options and Educational Benefits
The fortunate winner now faces a monumental choice. They can opt to receive the full $980 million through annual payments spread over 30 years. Alternatively, they can choose a single lump-sum cash payment of $452.2 million. Both amounts are calculated before federal and state taxes are applied. The unidentified winner has 180 days to come forward and claim their prize.
Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin expressed her excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history." She also highlighted the positive impact on the community, noting that every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supports the HOPE and Pre-K educational programmes, making students and families across the state winners too.
This monumental win shatters the previous Georgia record held by a Powerball ticket sold in Buford in 2024, which had a jackpot of $478.2 million. The $980 million prize also ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot in the entire history of the Mega Millions game, surpassing an $810 million win in Texas. The all-time record remains a $1.602 billion jackpot won in Florida in 2023.
In a separate but significant win, a lottery ticket sold in Michigan also scored a $3 million prize in the same Friday drawing by matching the five white balls with a 3X multiplier.
