$980 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold in Georgia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A single Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia has won the $980 million jackpot. The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and Mega Ball 7. The winner beat staggering 1-in-290.5 million odds to claim the massive prize.
Mega Millions Georgia Winner Quick Looks
- A single winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Georgia.
- The winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and Mega Ball 7.
- The winner can choose between an annuity or a $452.2 million lump-sum payout before taxes.
- This was the 40th drawing since the last Mega Millions jackpot was won in June.
- It marks the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot in the game’s history.
- Over 800,000 other tickets won secondary prizes in the Nov. 11 drawing.
- Mega Millions tickets cost $5 and are available in 45 states, D.C., and U.S. territories.
- Officials caution about the risks of gambling addiction and provide support resources.
Deep Look
Georgia Ticket Wins $980 Million Mega Millions Jackpot After Record Streak Ends
ATLANTA — Someone in Georgia is waking up a multimillionaire after purchasing the sole winning ticket for Friday night’s $980 million Mega Millions jackpot. It’s one of the largest jackpots in the game’s history — and the lucky winner beat odds of 1 in 290.5 million to secure it.
The winning numbers drawn were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the gold Mega Ball number 7.
According to Mega Millions officials, the win ends a record-setting dry streak. This was the 40th drawing since the last jackpot was claimed on June 27, making it the longest stretch without a grand prize winner in the game’s history.
The new Georgia winner now faces a life-changing decision: accept the full jackpot in the form of an annuity paid over 30 years, or take the one-time cash option, which amounts to $452.2 million before federal and state taxes.
If more than one winner had emerged, the jackpot would have been split evenly. However, officials confirmed there was only one ticket that matched all six numbers.
Another Historic Jackpot in a Big Lottery Year
Though the $980 million prize isn’t among the top 10 overall lottery jackpots in U.S. history, it ranks as the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot since the game began in 2002.
It comes just months after a near-record $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot was split by two winners from Missouri and Texas — continuing what has been a headline-making year for massive lottery prizes.
Earlier in 2025, Mega Millions saw four jackpots claimed, but the 40-draw run without a winner since June set a new record for the game, driving ticket sales and interest nationwide.
Secondary Winners and Game Stats
Beyond the jackpot winner, Friday’s drawing also produced over 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes across the country. These secondary prizes range from $2 for matching the Mega Ball to as much as $1 million for matching five white balls without the Mega Ball.
The odds of winning any prize in Mega Millions are approximately 1 in 23.
Where and How to Play
Mega Millions tickets cost $5 and are available in 45 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sales are run by local state lottery agencies, and half of each ticket sale remains in the jurisdiction where it was purchased.
Each state dictates how lottery revenue is spent, often funding education, infrastructure, or community services.
The next drawing will be held Tuesday, resetting the jackpot amount but likely drawing continued interest as players chase another potential fortune.
A Reminder: Play Responsibly
With massive jackpots grabbing headlines, lottery officials and advocates are also reminding the public to gamble responsibly.
The National Council on Problem Gambling defines “problem gambling” as behavior that negatively affects one’s life or the lives of loved ones. It’s recognized as a legitimate mental health condition — sometimes referred to as gambling addiction or gambling disorder.
“Anyone who gambles can be at risk,” the Council states. Whether it’s scratch-offs, slots, or jackpot tickets, the excitement of winning can sometimes lead to harmful behavior.
Anyone struggling with gambling issues is encouraged to call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The helpline is confidential, free, and available 24/7, connecting individuals to local treatment and support resources.
What’s Next?
For the Georgia winner, the journey is just beginning. It may take days or even weeks before the identity of the winner is revealed — if they choose to go public at all. Many lottery winners opt to remain anonymous or claim the prize through legal trusts to protect privacy.
In the meantime, anticipation builds for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, as the jackpot resets and hopeful players across the country dream of being next.
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