by Newnan, Georgia – A lucky Mega Millions player in Georgia has won the staggering $989 million jackpot, following the longest streak without a winner in the game’s history. The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix grocery store in Newnan, a town approximately 35 miles southwest of Atlanta, after 40 consecutive days of drawings without a top-prize winner.
The ticket matched all six numbers: 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and the Mega Ball 7. According to Mega Millions, the odds of hitting the jackpot were 1 in 290,472,336.
Taxes Significantly Reduce Payout
Although the jackpot amounts to nearly a billion dollars, the winner will walk away with considerably less after taxes. Georgia taxes lottery winnings at 5.14%, on top of the 24% federal tax withheld by the IRS.
If the winner opts for a lump-sum payout, the take-home amount is approximately $240 million, according to USAMega.com. Alternatively, selecting the 30-year annuity would provide an estimated $522 million, translating to roughly $17.4 million per year.
Despite the deductions, the payout would still allow the winner to purchase Georgia’s priciest home, a $45 million Georgian-style estate, five times over.
Ticket Redemption and Anonymity
Winning tickets in Georgia are valid for 180 days after the drawing and must be redeemed within the state. Winners of prizes exceeding $250,000 can choose to remain anonymous, meaning the public may never know the identity of the fortunate player.
Game Reset and Future Drawings
Following this historic win, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to $50 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday.
The ticket price was recently increased from $2 to $5 in April 2025, a move lottery administrators say improves the chances of winning. Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, noted that $983 million is the largest jackpot since the game change in April.
Mega Millions Record Context
This massive jackpot adds to a series of historic wins in recent years. The last top-ten jackpot was claimed by a California player in December 2024, who won over $1 billion. The Georgia winner now joins a select group of players who have captured nearly nine-figure prizes, highlighting the enormous appeal of the Mega Millions lottery.
Public Excitement and Lottery Impact
The win has generated significant excitement in Newnan and across Georgia, as residents celebrate the historic payout. Lottery officials emphasize that the increased ticket price has boosted both the jackpot totals and player participation, further fueling anticipation for future drawings.
Share Your Thoughts: Would you play Mega Millions if the ticket price rose to $5, or do you think it’s worth the gamble for a chance at nearly $1 billion? Comment below and let us know your lottery strategies or dream plans if you won.
