Winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Georgia
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A record-breaking payout has just made history in Georgia.

ATLANTA — A ticket purchased in Georgia claimed the staggering $980 million Mega Millions jackpot on Friday.

The fortunate Quik Pick ticket was bought at a Publix store in Newnan, Georgia, situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, as confirmed by Mega Millions officials.

The winning numbers drawn on Friday were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with a Mega Ball of 7.

The jackpot winner can choose between receiving a cash lump sum of $452.2 million or opting for an annuity, which includes an immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year.

This prize marks the eighth-largest jackpot ever won in the history of the Mega Millions game, with the jackpot steadily increasing since its last win in Virginia on June 27.

This would be the largest ever single payout in Georgia history, according to Mega Millions. The previous record was held when a Powerball ticket sold in Buford, Georgia, won a $478.2 million jackpot. Two people shared that prize and selected the the cash option of $230.6 million.

Earlier this year, Mega Millions changed the game, slightly increasing the odds but also upping the cost of a ticket from $2 to $5, The jump in revenue improved the odds of winning from from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.

It’s also a lucky day for Publix: the store that sells the winning jackpot ticket can earn a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus payment.

We may never know the winner. That’s because Georgia is one of several states that allow winners to remain anonymous.

Mega Millions winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes in Georgia.

The Mega Millions jackpot will reset to $50 million. The next drawing is Tuesday.

Other prizes

Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

There were more than 1 million winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 14 drawing.

Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

Gambling addictions

Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

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