Publix in Newnan Sells Historic Winning Ticket
A Georgia resident has won the largest Mega Millions jackpot in the state’s history. The winning ticket, purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball in the November 14, 2025, drawing. As a result, the jackpot grew from $980 million to $983 million, setting a record.
The winner claimed the prize on January 2, 2026. They chose the lump-sum cash option, which amounts to $453.6 million before taxes. Lottery officials said the winner is a regular participant. They have supported Georgia Lottery-funded programs, including HOPE scholarships and Pre-K education.
Additionally, the Publix store that sold the ticket received a $50,000 retailer bonus. This bonus is part of the lottery’s program to reward stores that sell winning tickets.
Mega Wins Highlight 2025 Holiday Season
Georgia’s Mega Millions jackpot was one of two huge lottery wins during the 2025 holiday season. On December 24, 2025, a Powerball ticket sold at a Murphy USA gas station inside a Walmart Supercenter in Cabot, Arkansas, matched all six numbers.
Initially set at $1.7 billion, the Powerball jackpot rose to $1.817 billion after final ticket sales. This prize is now one of the largest in U.S. lottery history. However, the Arkansas Powerball winner has not yet claimed the prize. They have until June 22, 2026, to do so, according to lottery rules.
Impact on State Programs and Communities
Lottery officials said these record jackpots bring excitement and benefit state programs. In Georgia, proceeds support education and social initiatives. Programs like HOPE scholarships and Pre-K receive funding from ticket sales, which helps thousands of students each year.
Officials also noted that lottery winners often choose to remain private. They highlighted that Georgia’s Mega Millions winner will now decide how to manage the life-changing prize responsibly.
Furthermore, both Georgia’s Mega Millions and Arkansas’ Powerball jackpots show how popular U.S. lotteries have become. These wins not only transform lives but also provide significant funding for state programs.
The Georgia Mega Millions jackpot demonstrates how a single ticket can create a historic moment while contributing to community programs across the state.
