The latest mega millions jackpot lottery winner has officially claimed one of the biggest U.S. lottery prizes of the year after a single ticket sold in Georgia hit an estimated $980 million jackpot in the November 14, 2025 drawing. The winning ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Friday night, ending a long jackpot climb that captivated players nationwide.
The newly crowned winner secured the life-changing prize by matching white balls 1, 8, 11, 12, 57 and the gold Mega Ball 7. The ticket was sold at Publix #1816 on North Highway 29 in Newnan, Georgia—about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. State officials confirmed that this is now the largest lottery prize ever won in Georgia’s history, surpassing all previous records.
A Historic Win for Georgia
This $980 million jackpot marks a milestone moment for Georgia’s lottery program. It is not only the state’s largest win but also one of the largest Mega Millions jackpots ever awarded in the United States.
The jackpot had been steadily rising after weeks of rollovers, drawing widespread attention from players across the country. Ticket sales surged in the days leading up to the drawing, fueled by the nearly billion-dollar prize. The winning moment finally arrived when the single Georgia ticket landed every number needed to seize the top prize.
While the winner has not yet come forward publicly—which is common in large lottery wins—Georgia allows winners to remain anonymous. This means the individual may choose to stay out of the spotlight entirely.
Prize Options for the Winner
Mega Millions winners can choose between two payout options: a lump-sum cash payment or an annuity paid over 30 years.
Cash Option
- Estimated at $452.2 million before taxes
- Most winners opt for the lump-sum due to immediate access and financial flexibility
Annuity Option
- Pays the full $980 million
- Delivered as 30 annual payments
- Each annual installment increases by approximately 5%
Tax Considerations
- Federal taxes apply immediately to large lottery winnings
- Georgia state income tax also applies, currently just over 5%
- After federal withholding and additional tax obligations, a Georgia resident choosing the cash option would likely take home between $260 million and $290 million
This financial breakdown highlights why large jackpot winners often work with attorneys, financial planners, and tax specialists before claiming such a substantial prize.
A Look at the Winning Location
The winning ticket was sold at a busy Publix supermarket in Newnan, a rapidly growing community known for its historic downtown district and proximity to metro Atlanta. After major wins, the retailer that sells the winning ticket typically earns a bonus from the state lottery, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
For local residents, the store quickly became a point of buzz and excitement as news of the jackpot win spread. Georgia has had several major lottery winners in the past, but none of this size.
Game Changes That Influenced Jackpot Growth
Mega Millions underwent several structural changes in April 2025, which played a role in how quickly the jackpot climbed this year. Those adjustments included:
- A higher starting jackpot of $50 million
- Revised prize tier amounts
- An updated matrix designed to enhance secondary prize levels
These updates boosted overall ticket sales and helped jackpots grow faster while also increasing non-jackpot prizes. The nearly billion-dollar win in Georgia is one of the first major jackpots under this redesigned game format.
Odds and Game Format
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday.
Key facts about the game include:
- Odds of winning the jackpot: about 1 in 290.5 million
- Odds of winning any prize: about 1 in 24
- Players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball from 1 to 25
These odds highlight the rarity—and the monumental nature—of a jackpot win of this size.
Impact on the Lottery and Local Community
When a jackpot reaches the level seen in this drawing, several ripple effects tend to occur:
1. Increased Ticket Sales
As the jackpot grows, casual players and regular participants alike rush to buy tickets. This leads to rising revenue for state education funds, as lottery proceeds often support public programs.
2. Boost for Local Retailer
The Publix that sold the winning ticket receives a significant bonus. Such windfalls often help store owners increase staffing, renovate, or reinvest locally.
3. Community Excitement
A record-breaking win attracts significant attention. While the winner may stay private, local residents often feel a burst of pride knowing the life-changing ticket was sold in their town.
What Happens Next?
Mega Millions officials have confirmed that the jackpot will now reset to the starting amount for the next drawing. Although future jackpots will begin smaller, they tend to climb rapidly during periods of high participation—especially around the holidays.
Meanwhile, the identity of the winner may remain unknown unless the person chooses to step forward. In Georgia, anonymity laws protect winners from public disclosure, offering privacy during what is often an overwhelming time.
Lottery experts recommend that major prizewinners take several steps before claiming their ticket:
- Secure the physical ticket
- Consult financial and legal advisors
- Decide between annuity and lump-sum options
- Determine whether to remain anonymous
These measures protect winners from common pitfalls and help ensure long-term financial stability.
Why This Win Captured National Attention
Jackpots approaching the billion-dollar mark always draw U.S. attention. But this win stood out for several reasons:
- It broke a Georgia state record
- It ended a lengthy jackpot streak
- It happened just weeks after holiday season ticket sales began rising
- It occurred under the updated 2025 Mega Millions format
- It produced one of the largest prizes in the game’s recent history
These factors combined to make the Georgia win one of the most notable lottery stories of the year.
Closing Thoughts
The story of this mega millions jackpot lottery winner is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change with a single ticket. As the jackpot resets and players look ahead to the next drawing, excitement remains high across the country.
Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the next big moment—another winning ticket could be just around the corner.