A single ticket sold in Georgia has won an estimated $980 million in the latest Mega Millions drawing, making it the largest payout in the state’s history. The winning numbers, drawn on November 14, 2025, were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and Mega Ball 7. If the winner opts for a cash payout, they will receive approximately $452.2 million after taxes.
The jackpot had been accumulating since June 27, 2025, marking a record-breaking streak of 40 consecutive drawings without a winner. This is also noteworthy as it is the first year since 2020 that no Mega Millions jackpot of over $1 billion has been awarded. During this period, players collectively won nearly 14.3 million prizes, amounting to over $343 million in non-jackpot winnings, including 21 second-tier prizes of $2 million or more.
Anonymous Winners Allowed Under Georgia Law
While the excitement builds around the jackpot, the identity of the winner may remain a mystery. Georgia law permits lottery winners to remain anonymous for any prize exceeding $250,000 if they submit a written request to the Georgia Lottery. This means the winner is under no obligation to publicly disclose their identity, and the state will not release any identifying information if confidentiality is requested.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket located in Newnan, Georgia, roughly 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin expressed excitement over the win, stating, “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history. With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners.”
Historical Context of Mega Millions Jackpots
This latest win adds to the list of significant Mega Millions jackpots. The top ten largest jackpots in the game’s history include:
1. $1.602 billion — August 8, 2023 (Florida)
2. $1.537 billion — October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
3. $1.348 billion — January 13, 2023 (Maine)
4. $1.337 billion — July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
5. $1.269 billion — December 27, 2024 (California)
6. $1.128 billion — March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
7. $1.050 billion — January 22, 2021 (Michigan)
8. $980 million — November 14, 2025 (Georgia)
9. $810 million — September 10, 2024 (Texas)
10. $656 million — March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)
As the excitement around the jackpot continues, many are left wondering who the winner may be. For now, the anonymity afforded by Georgia’s laws allows the winner to enjoy their newfound wealth in private, while also contributing to educational programs across the state.
