Winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Georgia
Share this @internewscast.com


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.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant caught and released by Biden administration now charged in Washington vehicular homicide

Truck Driver Accused in Fatal Washington Crash Released on $100,000 Bond

A semi-truck driver, identified as an undocumented immigrant from India, was released…
Victim’s family breaks silence as Oklahoma teen in violent sex assault case avoids prison time: report

Outrage Sparks as Oklahoma Teen Escapes Prison in Shocking Sex Assault Case: Family Speaks Out

In Stillwater, Oklahoma, families are tirelessly seeking justice after 18-year-old Jesse Mack…
Iowa police chief's son among National Guard members killed in Syria ISIS terrorist attack

Tragedy Strikes: Iowa Police Chief’s Son Among Heroes Fallen in Deadly ISIS Attack in Syria

A tragic incident has shaken the Iowa Army National Guard, as one…
Australian bystander disarms suspected shooter in Australia Hanukkah attack

Heroic Bystander Prevents Tragedy by Disarming Suspected Shooter in Australian Hanukkah Attack

A gripping video has emerged from the Hanukkah shooting incident in Sydney,…
NYC Jewish community responds at Manhattan synagogue to deadly Bondi Beach terror attack

NYC Jewish Community Unites in Solidarity at Manhattan Synagogue Following Tragic Bondi Beach Terror Attack

On Sunday evening, members of New York City’s Jewish community gathered in…
Erika Kirk agrees to 'private discussion' with Candace Owens amid rising tensions

Erika Kirk and Candace Owens Set for Tension-Easing Private Talks Amid Rising Political Clashes

Erika Kirk has revealed plans for a private meeting with commentator Candace…
Chicago City Council meets Monday as budget deadline looms; Mayor Brandon Johnson says he will veto plans with increased fees

Chicago Budget Showdown: Mayor Johnson Prepared to Veto Plans with Higher Fees as Deadline Nears

The Chicago City Council is set to kick off a series of…
February groundbreaking planned for high-rise at old River City Brewing Company

Exciting Plans Unveiled: New High-Rise Set to Transform Former River City Brewing Site This February

In a significant move for Jacksonville’s Southbank, a new development is set…
Tommy Davidson at Chicago Improv comedy club in Schaumburg, Illinois, Stuff the Bus for toy drive, 2025 Christmas recipes and more

Tommy Davidson Takes the Stage at Chicago Improv: Join the Laughs and Support a Toy Drive!

In a vibrant start to this week’s episode, ABC7’s Rob Hughes reported…
Person of interest arrested in Brown University mass shooting

Key Suspect Apprehended in Brown University Shooting Incident

Authorities announced on Sunday morning that a suspect has been detained in…
Sweet Home Chicago benefit at Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago raises money for WINGS' services for domestic violence survivors

Empowerment in the Windy City: Four Seasons Hosts ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ to Support Domestic Violence Survivors

Festive joy filled the air at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago…
New South Wales Premier Pushes More Gun Control After Bondi Beach Attack

NSW Premier Advocates for Stronger Gun Legislation Following Shocking Bondi Beach Incident

In the wake of a tragic terrorist attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach…