A resident of Georgia has stepped forward to claim the impressive **$983 million** Mega Millions jackpot, the largest lottery prize ever won in the state and the eighth-largest in the game’s history. The ticket holder, who has opted to remain anonymous, presented the winning ticket on **January 2, 2025**, following the drawing held on **November 14, 2024**. The winner chose the cash option, amounting to **$453.6 million** before taxes.
Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO **Gretchen Corbin** expressed joy over the historic win, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate Georgia’s record-breaking jackpot winner and their life-changing start to the new year.” Corbin highlighted that the jackpot is significant not only for the winner but also for Georgia’s students and families benefiting from programs funded by the **HOPE Scholarship** and Pre-K initiatives.
The ticket was sold at a **Publix supermarket** in **Newnan, Georgia**, where the winner regularly plays the lottery. After noticing the growing jackpot advertised on a billboard, the individual decided to purchase a ticket. Upon learning of the win, they confirmed the winning numbers on the Georgia Lottery’s official website.
In a promising outlook, the winner aims to use the prize to create a lasting impact, stating they hope to make the winnings “generational” while also contributing to “good causes.”
The **$983 million** jackpot had accumulated since late June when a single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers on **November 14**. This record-breaking amount was the result of **40 consecutive drawings** without a jackpot winner, marking the longest stretch in the history of Mega Millions. The previous largest prize claimed in November was significantly lower, underscoring the magnitude of this win.
Retailers who sell winning Mega Millions tickets also receive benefits, with Georgia Lottery officials confirming that the Publix supermarket will receive a **$50,000** retailer incentive bonus.
The excitement surrounding this jackpot comes on the heels of a previous record set in **December 2024**, when a California player won **$1.269 billion**. The record for the largest jackpot in Mega Millions history still stands at **$1.602 billion**, won in Florida in **August 2023**.
Mega Millions recently altered its game format, increasing the ticket price from **$2** to **$5**. This change is designed to accelerate jackpot growth and raise the starting amount from **$20 million** to **$50 million**.
As Americans look towards financial resolutions in 2025, the Georgia winner’s experience highlights the profound impact of lottery winnings, both for individuals and the broader community.
