Georgia Resident Wins $980M Mega Millions Jackpot — the Largest Lottery Prize in the State’s History

A Georgia resident has officially become the state’s largest-ever lottery jackpot winner.

According to a news release from Mega Millions, a player in Newnan matched all six numbers in the Friday, Nov. 14 drawing—winning an estimated $980 million top prize. The winning numbers were 1-8-11-12-57, with 7 as the Mega Ball.

This marks the highest single payout in Georgia Lottery history, surpassing the previous record of $478.2 million won in Buford in October 2024. That earlier jackpot was shared by two winners who chose a cash option of $230.6 million.

Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin celebrated the milestone, saying the win supports the state’s HOPE and Pre-K programs, which benefit Georgia students and families.

The newest jackpot winner, who has not been publicly identified, can select either:

• A one-time lump sum of about $452.2 million, or
• The full $980 million paid out over 30 years

The winning Quik Pik ticket was purchased at a Publix in Newnan, located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. The retailer will receive a $50,000 incentive bonus for selling the lucky ticket.

So far, Georgia has produced 17 Mega Millions jackpot winners, and this latest prize now ranks as the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever awarded. The top three jackpots were won in Florida ($1.6 billion), South Carolina ($1.5 billion) and Maine ($1.3 billion).

The major win follows Mega Millions’ decision to raise ticket prices last year, which officials said would increase odds of hitting larger jackpots, boost starting prize amounts, and create faster jackpot growth. At the time, Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium, said the goal was to produce more major prize winners while continuing to support important causes in states where the game is played.