Georgia Player Wins $980 Million Mega Millions Jackpot
A Georgia player won the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, ending a 40-drawing streak. The winner can choose a $452.2 million lump sum or annual payments.
Overview
A single winning ticket for the $980 million Mega Millions jackpot was sold in Georgia, with the winning numbers 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and Mega Ball 7.
The winner has the option to receive a $452.2 million lump-sum cash payment or annual installments over 29 or 30 years, both before taxes.
This jackpot win ended a record-setting 40 consecutive drawings without a winner since the last Mega Millions jackpot was claimed on June 27.
While not among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots, this $980 million prize ranks as the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot since 2002.
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million, with over 800,000 non-jackpot prizes awarded in the Nov. 11 drawing.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on factual reporting of the lottery win, prize details, and game mechanics. They avoid loaded language or sensationalism, instead providing objective information. The inclusion of a section on problem gambling further demonstrates a balanced approach, offering a public service without editorializing on the lottery's inherent value.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The winning $980 million Mega Millions ticket was purchased in Newnan, Georgia.
The winner can choose between a $452.2 million lump-sum cash payment or annual installments over 29 or 30 years, both amounts before taxes.
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately 1 in 290 million.
Yes, Georgia lottery winners of $250,000 or more may remain anonymous if they make a written request to the Georgia Lottery Corporation when claiming their prize.
This $980 million prize is the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot since the game began in 2002.
History
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