Hey there! Big news for lottery fans: a Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia just hit a whopping $980 million jackpot on Friday, November 15, 2025. Yep, you read that right—nearly a billion dollars!
According to the official Mega Millions website, only one lucky ticket matched all six numbers, making this the eighth-largest Mega Millions jackpot ever and the 14th-largest U.S. lottery jackpot.
Where Was the Winning Ticket Sold?
Right now, the exact location in Georgia is still a mystery. But this is the 16th time a Mega Millions jackpot has been won in Georgia. Pretty exciting for the state’s lottery fans!
Cash Option vs. Jackpot
The winner has a choice:
- Take the full jackpot over 30 years (annuity)
- Or grab a cash lump sum of $452.2 million
Honestly, that’s still life-changing money, no matter which option is chosen.
Last Time Mega Millions Hit
Before this, the Mega Millions jackpot was last won in Virginia, where someone scored $348 million back on June 27, 2025.
And it’s not just the big jackpot—there was also a $3 million ticket sold in Michigan for matching all five white balls. So even if you didn’t hit the jackpot, big wins are still out there.
Mega Millions Winning Numbers for Nov. 14, 2025
If you’re curious, the winning numbers were:
1 – 8 – 11 – 12 – 57 and Mega Ball 7
Some players like to track which numbers are drawn the most, thinking it gives them an edge. Whether that works? Well… it’s all luck!
When Is the Next Mega Millions Drawing?
- Drawings happen every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. ET
- So if you’re planning to play, mark your calendar and buy your ticket before the cutoff time
How to Play Mega Millions
Playing is simple:
- Each ticket costs $5, and that includes a multiplier which can boost non-jackpot prizes up to 10x.
- Pick five numbers from 1–70 (white balls) and one number from 1–24 (Mega Ball).
- Or go with Quick Pick, where the machine randomly chooses numbers for you.
💡 Tip: You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or live in a certain state to buy a ticket—just make sure you follow the local rules!
What Are the Prizes?
You don’t need to match the jackpot to win:
- Match just the Mega Ball → win $10
- Match all five white balls → win at least $2 million (except in California)
- Check the full payouts on the official Mega Millions site
Odds of Winning
Let’s keep it real: the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 290,472,336. So, play responsibly and don’t spend more than you can afford.
Where Can You Play Mega Millions?
You can play in 45 states, plus D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- States without Mega Millions: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
- Buy tickets in person at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and some airports
- Or order online through apps like Jackpocket (available in multiple states), where you can pick numbers, see your ticket, and even claim winnings—all from your phone!
💡 Pro tip: Check your state’s cutoff time for buying tickets. It could be 15 minutes to 2 hours before the drawing.
What Does Cash Option Mean?
Mega Millions jackpots offer two payout choices:
- Annuity: Spread over 30 years, with yearly increases
- Cash: A lump sum payout—less than the advertised jackpot but immediately available
Most winners go for cash if they want instant access, but it depends on your long-term plans.
Top Mega Millions Jackpots
Here are some of the largest Mega Millions jackpots ever:
- $1.602 billion – Florida, Aug 8, 2023
- $1.537 billion – South Carolina, Oct 23, 2018
- $1.348 billion – Maine, Jan 13, 2023
- $1.337 billion – Illinois, July 29, 2022
- $1.269 billion – California, Dec 27, 2024
- $1.128 billion – New Jersey, March 26, 2024
- $1.05 billion – Michigan, Jan 22, 2021
- $980 million – Georgia, Nov 14, 2025
Crazy, right? That Georgia win is now officially part of lottery history.
Final Thoughts
Mega Millions is all about fun and the dream of life-changing money. But remember: it’s all luck, so play responsibly and enjoy the excitement.
If you’re feeling lucky, pick your numbers or go with a Quick Pick for the next drawing. Who knows? Maybe one day, you could be the next Mega Millions jackpot winner!
💡 Extra Tip for Players:
- Track your spending and set a budget for lottery tickets
- Play for fun, not as an investment strategy
- Celebrate small wins along the way
✍️Ammar is a dedicated news writer and blogger with over six years of experience in producing clear, trustworthy, and engaging content. At Cartographicdesign.com, he delivers the latest trending Topic to keep readers informed and up to date.
