Mega Millions Jackpot Finally Claimed: Georgia Ticket Wins $980 Million After Long Streak

This Saturday, the United States woke up to a new billionaire.

After more than 40 consecutive drawings without a winner, a single ticket sold in the state of Georgia matched all the numbers in the Mega Millions lottery, securing a massive jackpot estimated at $980 million. This prize marks the eighth largest in the history of the game.

Lotto officials confirmed that the winning ticket featured the numbers 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and the golden Mega Ball 7. This winning combination ended a streak dating back to June, making it one of the longest periods without a jackpot winner.

The buildup of anticipation was immense: the jackpot had swelled rapidly, thanks in part to a reform implemented in April that raised the ticket price to five dollars, adjusted the odds, and increased the starting jackpot to 50 million dollars.

The lucky winner now has 180 days to step forward and claim their prize. They can opt for a lump sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes, or choose an annuity option that offers 30 payments over 29 years, with a 5% increase annually, in line with Mega Millions' annuity model.

This payout structure, also seen in games like Powerball, is designed to provide financial security over time and maximize the total value received.

The odds of hitting all six numbers to win the jackpot stand at 1 in 290 million, highlighting the extraordinary luck experienced in Georgia. Despite these odds, each drawing results in thousands of smaller prizes, ranging from two dollars to six-figure sums if the multiplier is used.

For instance, on Friday, a ticket sold in Michigan won three million dollars by matching the five white numbers plus the 3X multiplier. Additionally, 22 other players won $20,000 each by matching four numbers and the Mega Ball.

This milestone prize is the largest awarded since the game's rules were updated earlier this year. Before Friday's draw, the last significant jackpot was claimed in March 2024, when a New Jersey player won 1.128 billion dollars. In August 2023, Mega Millions awarded its largest prize ever: 1.602 billion dollars, with a single ticket sold in Florida.

The Evolution and Appeal of Mega Millions

Since its inception in 1996 as "The Big Game," Mega Millions has grown into one of the largest lotteries in the United States, available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the Virgin Islands. The drawings occur twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and one does not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident to participate; the only requirement is meeting the legal age in the state where the ticket is purchased.

During the November 14 drawing, where this historic prize was recorded, there were over 800,000 winners of smaller rewards.

The straightforward system of Mega Millions attracts many players: select five numbers from 1 to 70 and a Mega Ball from 1 to 25. For those unsure of their picks, the "quick pick" option is available to generate random numbers.

While the $980 million jackpot is not among the largest in U.S. lottery history—Powerball has awarded prizes nearing $1.8 billion—it represents a significant milestone for Mega Millions, marking the end of a memorable streak due to its length and the size of the jackpot.

As hundreds of thousands of players check their tickets hoping to at least recoup their two dollars, somewhere in Georgia, an unidentified individual has suddenly become the owner of an extraordinary fortune. This person now faces the decision of how to claim their prize and when, or if, to go public.