A single ticket holder in Georgia has won a staggering $980 million in the latest Mega Millions drawing, marking the largest jackpot in the state’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket located in Newnan, approximately 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. The winning numbers drawn on Friday night were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the Mega Ball being 7.
This impressive jackpot has an estimated cash value of $452.2 million. In a statement, Gretchen Corbin, President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, expressed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history.” This win surpasses the previous state record set by a Powerball ticket in Buford on October 23, 2024, which yielded a jackpot of $478.2 million. That prize was shared between two winners opting for the cash option of $230.6 million each.
Changes Ahead for Mega Millions
In April, Mega Millions announced several updates to the game for 2025, which include adjustments to ticket prices, jackpot amounts, and improved winning odds. While ticket prices have increased, players will also enjoy enhanced chances of winning the jackpot. Drawings for the Mega Millions are held every Tuesday and Friday at 23:00 Eastern Time, and tickets are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The largest Mega Millions jackpot to date was a monumental $1.602 billion, won on August 8, 2023, by a single ticket sold in Florida. As lottery enthusiasts celebrate this latest win, anticipation builds for future drawings and the potential for even larger jackpots.
