Published on: November 16, 2025, 08:54h.
Updated on: November 16, 2025, 08:54h.
- After 39 consecutive drawings, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won
- A ticket sold in Georgia successfully matched all six winning numbers
On Friday night, the fortunate Mega Millions winner has the option to select between an annuitized prize of $980 million distributed over three decades or an immediate cash payout of $453.6 million. Of course, these life-altering sums come with considerable tax repercussions.
Mega Millions confirmed that the ticket sold in Georgia matched all five white balls and the gold Mega Ball in the draw held on Friday, November 14, securing the eighth-largest prize in the game’s history.
This $980 million jackpot marks the most significant payout since the Mega Millions game rules were modified earlier this year. The entry fee was increased from $2 to $5, while the previously optional $1 Megaplier has now been incorporated with each ticket. One gold Mega Ball was removed, slightly improving the odds from one in 302.2 million to one in 290.4 million.
“The largest jackpot to be won since the Mega Millions game format changed in April is $983 million,” stated Joshua Johnston, lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “Congratulations to our huge winner from Georgia, and to all our players who are winning more than ever with the new game format.”
The winning combination of numbers was 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with the gold Mega Ball being 7.
Tax Responsibilities
According to the Georgia Lottery, the winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased from a Publix grocery store located at 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan, about 30 miles southwest of Atlanta. The player utilized the Quik Pik option to select their numbers.
“We are ecstatic to celebrate our state’s largest winner,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO, Gretchen Corbin. “Every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supports HOPE and Pre-K programs, making Georgia’s students and families the real winners. We are grateful to our players and retailers for their ongoing support of our mission.”
The winner on Friday will make a substantial contribution to public education efforts. Georgia is one of many states that impose personal income tax on lottery winnings.
Georgia boasts a flat income tax rate of 5.19%, which will affect the Mega Millions winnings. Should the winner opt for the full annuity, the federal government will withhold 37% from each annual payment. This results in a reduction of the yearly distribution from $32.7 million to $20.6 million. Following Georgia’s cuts, another $1.7 million will be deducted, resulting in an approximate net yearly payment of $18.9 million. In total, over the span of 30 years, the annuity winner would net about $567.8 million.
Alternatively, if the winner selects the lump sum payment, the initial $453.6 million will decrease to $284.92 million after accounting for federal taxes of $167.8 million. After Georgia’s tax of $23.5 million, the final payout would be approximately $261.1 million.
Georgia Lottery Impact
Georgia operates one of the most successful lotteries in the United States. The Mega Millions is drawn bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays from the lottery’s studio in Atlanta.
Since its inception in 1992, the Georgia Lottery has delivered over $30 billion to enhance public education in the state.