Mega Millions Jackpot of $983M Won in Georgia
A single Mega Millions ticket sold in Newnan, Georgia, matched all six numbers in the November 14 drawing, securing the $983 million jackpot and marking the largest lottery win in state history. The winning ticket, purchased at a Publix located at 4000 North Highway 29, successfully matched the five white balls — 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 — along with the gold Mega Ball, 7.
According to Mega Millions, the jackpot carried an estimated cash value of $453.6 million, making it one of the most significant lottery payouts of 2025 and the eighth-largest in Mega Millions history.
Gretchen Corbin, president and CEO of the Georgia Lottery, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history. With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners. We appreciate our players and retailers for their support of our mission.”
Fifth Mega Millions Jackpot of 2025
Friday’s draw marked the fifth Mega Millions jackpot awarded this year. According to previous reporting from USA TODAY, earlier 2025 jackpots included a $113 million win in Arizona on January 17, a $344 million prize in Illinois on March 25, a $112 million jackpot in Ohio on April 18, and a $348 million win in Virginia on June 27.
The nearly $1 billion payout further underscores what has been a notable year for high-value drawings. Mega Millions has seen a consistent rise in jackpot sizes in recent years, driven in part by higher ticket sales and increased participation across multiple states.
Georgia’s New Lottery Record
Georgia’s previous record was set just over a year earlier, when a Powerball ticket sold in Buford secured a $478.2 million prize on October 23, 2024. That win, located roughly 76 miles northeast of Newnan, now moves to second place in the state’s history following the latest Mega Millions jackpot.
The new record illustrates the rapid growth of multi-state lottery games, which routinely generate jackpots exceeding hundreds of millions — and, at times, over a billion dollars.
Where This Jackpot Ranks Nationally
The $983 million payout now ranks eighth among the largest Mega Millions jackpots of all time. According to Mega Millions data, the top five remain dominated by billion-dollar prizes, including the game’s record-setting $1.602 billion jackpot won in Florida on August 8, 2023.
Other top prizes include:
$1.537 billion (South Carolina, 2018)
$1.348 billion (Maine, 2023)
$1.337 billion (Illinois, 2022)
$1.269 billion (California, 2024)
$1.128 billion (New Jersey, 2024)
$1.05 billion (Michigan, 2021)
The rising number of billion-dollar drawings reflects broader trends in modern lottery games, where rule changes, larger player pools, and higher jackpots have become increasingly common.
How Mega Millions Works
Mega Millions tickets are available at a wide range of retail locations, including gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and, in some states, online platforms. Players select six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 70 and one gold Mega Ball ranging from 1 to 24.
Those who prefer not to choose their own numbers can opt for a “Quick Pick” or “Easy Pick,” allowing the system to generate numbers automatically.
Mega Millions recently updated its ticket format to include a built-in multiplier, allowing non-jackpot prizes to increase by two, three, four, five, or ten times. Previously, players paid an additional fee for the “Megaplier” option.
What Comes Next
The identity of the Georgia winner has not been released, and state law determines the extent to which jackpot winners can remain anonymous. The Georgia Lottery typically encourages winners to consult financial and legal professionals before claiming large prizes.
For the Publix in Newnan, where the winning ticket was sold, the notable sale adds it to a growing list of retailers associated with major national lottery wins.
As the Mega Millions jackpot resets for the next draw, the record-setting prize in Georgia highlights both the significant popularity of the game and the impact these winnings have on state-funded education programs supported by lottery revenue.
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