The record $980 million Mega Millions jackpot has finally been claimed by a single ticket sold in Newnan, Georgia. The massive ticket sparked a frenzy across states, prompting residents in the Las Vegas area to cross into neighboring states to purchase tickets.
Georgia Scores Big on the Mega Millions Jackpot
The winning ticket was a Quick Pick purchased at Publix #1816 on North Highway 29 in Newnan, Georgia, per the Georgia Lottery. The numbers drawn on Nov. 14, 2025, were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the Mega Ball 7, matching the single ticket that secured the top prize.
Although the advertised jackpot is $980 million, the estimated cash lump-sum payout is about $452.2 million before taxes. Under Georgia law, the winner has 180 days from the date of the draw to claim the prize. Lottery officials say the person may choose to remain anonymous.
Why the Jackpot Had Cities Like Vegas on Edge
The jackpot, which initially soared to $714 million, captured widespread attention from different states, including Nevada. Residents around Las Vegas, who do not have a state lottery, therefore drove across the state line to buy tickets. The prize rose toward the billion-dollar mark, drawing attention from hopefuls.
Reports described a surge of ticket purchases by locals who made spontaneous border runs into California, Arizona, or other lottery states. Eventually, the jackpot was snapped up elsewhere. However, it highlighted Vegas’s passion for its gambling culture.
The Impact Of The Lottery Victory
This win marks the largest single-ticket lottery jackpot in Georgia’s history, surpassing the prior record held by a $478.2 million Powerball ticket. “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery president Gretchen Corbin shared in a press release. The huge score also marks the end of an unprecedented run. The Nov. 14 drawing was the 40th consecutive Mega Millions drawing without a jackpot winner, the longest such streak in the game’s history.
Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium, noted that the jackpot came after changes to the game were made earlier this year. These include increased ticket prices and a higher starting jackpot. Beyond the jackpot itself, the win has broader implications. The Georgia Lottery confirmed that educational programs, including the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K, benefit from ticket sales. Since its inception, the Georgia Lottery Corp. has given back more than $29.8 million to the state.x
Georgia has now recorded 17 Mega Millions jackpot winners in its history. The state previously went eight years without a winner.
Now that the jackpot has been claimed, the Mega Millions top prize resets, and the game’s next drawing is scheduled as usual.
