The Mega Millions lottery has announced that a single winning ticket for the massive $980 million jackpot was sold in Georgia, marking one of the biggest wins in the state’s history. According to officials, the lucky ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, a city located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin congratulated the winner, calling it a historic moment for the state. Under Georgia law, anyone who wins $250,000 or more is legally allowed to remain anonymous. This means the new Mega Millions billionaire may choose never to reveal their identity publicly. The winning store will also receive a $50,000 retailer bonus.
The winning numbers for the November 14 draw were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the gold Mega Ball 7. The odds of matching all six numbers were an astonishing 1 in 290.5 million, making this win exceptionally rare. Friday’s draw marked the 40th consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner—setting a new game record.
The winner now faces a major decision: choosing between the annuity option, paid over 30 years, or the cash lump sum of $452.2 million before taxes. If multiple winners had emerged, the jackpot would have been split, but this time, one lucky player takes it all.
Earlier this year, Mega Millions had four jackpot winners, while Powerball awarded a nearly $1.8 billion prize in September to players in Texas and Missouri. Although the latest Mega Millions prize does not break national records, it is still among the eight largest jackpots in Mega Millions history.
Beyond the jackpot, more than 800,000 non-jackpot prizes were won in the same drawing, offering smaller payouts to lucky participants nationwide.
Mega Millions tickets cost $5 and are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each participating jurisdiction keeps half of the proceeds to fund local programs as required by state law.
The winning streak brings excitement, but experts also warn that gambling can become addictive. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as behavior that disrupts daily life, relationships, or career. Their 24/7 helpline — 1-800-522-4700 — connects individuals to local support resources.
With another drawing scheduled for Tuesday, millions across the country will be hoping to follow in Georgia’s footsteps — but for now, one anonymous player holds one of the year’s biggest lottery fortunes.
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