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The Georgia Lottery confirmed on January 2 that the ticket holder from the November 14 Mega Millions draw had stepped forward to claim the $983 million prize, the largest jackpot ever won in the state.
Choosing the cash option, the winner will receive $453.6 million before taxes.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Georgia’s record-breaking jackpot winner and the life-changing start to the year this represents,” said Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO Gretchen Corbin.
She added, “This historic jackpot is also significant for Georgia’s students, families, and communities. We congratulate our winner and appreciate the support of our players and retail partners during this exciting jackpot run.”
The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with a Mega Ball of 7. The ticket was a Quick Pick purchased at Publix #1816 on North Highway 29 in Newnan, a store that will now receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
By law, winners can choose between a lump sum or an annuity paid over several years. While the annuity delivers the full jackpot in installments, the lump sum provides a reduced amount upfront, which the winner selected. The winner has opted to remain anonymous, a right protected under Georgia law.
Officials also revealed that the winner is a Georgia resident who benefited from the HOPE Scholarship, a program funded by lottery proceeds that supports students with a 3.0 GPA at eligible colleges and universities. According to the Lottery, the winner regularly plays to support educational programs and was pushed to buy the ticket after seeing a billboard advertising the massive jackpot.
Lotttery officials noted that the winner intends to use the money responsibly and contribute to causes that matter to them. The payout surpasses Georgia’s previous record, a $478.2 million Powerball jackpot won in Buford in October 2024.
Source: The Sun
