A player in Georgia has won a staggering $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, marking a significant milestone in the lottery’s history. The winning numbers, drawn on Friday, were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with the gold Mega Ball being 7. This win comes as the player overcame the lottery’s daunting odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers.
The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday. The lucky winner has the option to receive the jackpot in two ways: through an annuity over 30 years or as a one-time, lump-sum cash payment of $452.2 million before taxes. In the event of multiple jackpot winners, the prize would be divided among them.
This recent drawing is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 40th drawing since the last jackpot win on June 27, setting a new record for the game. Earlier this year, there were four Mega Millions jackpot winners, but Friday’s outcome has reignited excitement among players. For comparison, in September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas shared a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in U.S. history.
While the current Mega Millions jackpot is not among the top ten lottery jackpots in the U.S., it stands as the eighth-largest in Mega Millions history since the game’s inception in 2002. In addition to the jackpot, Mega Millions offers various other prizes, with the odds of winning any prize set at 1 in 23. The most recent drawing on November 11 saw over 800,000 non-jackpot winners.
Tickets for Mega Millions cost $5 each and are available in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, half of the proceeds from each ticket remains in the jurisdiction where it was sold. Local lottery agencies manage the game, and the allocation of profits is determined by local laws.
While the thrill of winning can be exhilarating, it is essential to recognize the risks associated with gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as behavior that can harm individuals and their families, often disrupting daily life and careers. This condition, sometimes referred to as gambling addiction or gambling disorder, is acknowledged as a mental health diagnosis. The organization emphasizes that anyone who engages in gambling activities may be at risk for developing such issues.
As excitement builds around the next drawing, players are reminded to gamble responsibly and be aware of the potential for addiction.
